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2015-2016
College Catalog
SOUTH PIEDMONT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Serving Anson and Union Counties
2015 - 2016 Catalog
Old Charlotte Highway Campus
4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
PO Box 5041, Monroe, NC 28111
704-290-5100
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-290-5250
www.spcc.edu
South Piedmont Community College
is a member
of the North Carolina Community College System
The official 2015-2016 College Catalog may be found on the website at www.spcc.edu.
Volume 13 An Equal Opportunity College 2015-2016
L. L. Polk Campus
680 Highway 74 West, PO Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135
704-272-5300
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-272-5350
I-2 General Information (Section I)
ACCREDITATION
South Piedmont Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Contact the Commission
on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions
about the accreditation of South Piedmont Community College.
The Commission may be contacted for the following reasons: 1) to learn about the accreditation status of
South Piedmont Community College, 2) to file a third party comment at the time of the South Piedmont
Community College decennial review, 3) to file a complaint against South Piedmont Community College
for significant non-compliance with a standard or requirement.
Normal inquiries about South Piedmont Community College, such as admission requirements, financial
aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to South Piedmont Community College and
not to the Commission on Colleges.
STATE AUTHORIZATION
South Piedmont Community College ensures compliance with State Authorization requirements
prescribed by 34 CFR Part §600.9, regarding the offering of online/distance education programs, which
states:
If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education
to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State
jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be
legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution
must be able to document to the Secretary the State’s approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C.
1001 and 1002)
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Board of Trustees and the administration of South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) are
fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities.
Accordingly, SPCC does not practice or condone discrimination, in any form, against students,
employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
or political affiliation. SPCC commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of
those characteristics. Should an employee or student feel his/her rights under Title VI, VII, or IX have
been violated, he/she may submit a harassment complaint, including sexual harassment, to the Human
Resources Office by mail at PO Box 126, Polkton, NC 28135. Complaints may also be faxed to 704-272-
5336 or emailed to sflake@spcc.edu or eclodfelter@spcc.edu. Correspondents will be directed to the
Title IX Employee Coordinator, Susan Flake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Payroll
and/or Title IX Student Coordinator, Elaine Clodfelter, Vice President of Student Services.
THE CATALOG
This catalog is effective July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. This catalog is for information only and does
not constitute a contract between the student and the College. South Piedmont Community College has
made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in this catalog is accurate at the time
of printing. However, the NC General Assembly, the State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the
SPCC Board of Trustees may make changes in policy, graduation requirements, fees and other charges,
curriculum course structure and content, and other such matters after the publication of this catalog. The
NC General Assembly may make changes in tuition without notice.
General Information (Section I) I-3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
WELCOME TO SOUTH PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE!
The famous baseball coach Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind
up someplace else.” The decision to go to college says that you have made a decision on a destination
and recognize that the shortest path to success is by continuing your education. Why do people choose
to attend South Piedmont Community College? Let me give a few of the reasons: More than 90 programs
which include high-quality transfer programs and articulations designed to help you succeed at the
university level; relevant and current workforce programs taught with state of the art equipment by highly
qualified faculty; and Early College, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School programs that will
put you on the path to success, all supported by friendly faculty and staff.
So how do you get started? Make an appointment with a counselor to develop your pathway and create
a plan by assessing your interests and aptitudes. Meet with the financial aid office to develop a financial
plan that will lay the foundation to be successful. South Piedmont Community College is a comprehensive
community college, one of 58 in the North Carolina System. We are affordable. We are convenient with
online classes and locations in Monroe, Polkton, and Wadesboro. We care about our students and the
communities we serve.
I want to leave you with a final quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge always pays
the best interest.” Feel free to call or e-mail me for assistance in achieving your goals at SPCC.
Stanley M. Sidor, Ed.D.
President
I-4 General Information (Section I)
General Information ...............................................................................................................................I-1
Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................................... I-15
Admissions ............................................................................................................................................II-1
Registration and Financial Information .................................................................................................III-1
Student Support Services .....................................................................................................................IV-1
Academic Information ............................................................................................................................V-1
Curriculum Programs of Study ..............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Arts Degree ...............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Science Degree ........................................................................................................ VI-4
Associate in Fine Arts Degree ...................................................................................................... VI-7
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Visual Art Pathway ............................................................... VI-9
Associate in General Education Degree .....................................................................................VI-11
Accounting Degree ......................................................................................................................VI-14
Accounting Certificate ..........................................................................................................VI-15
Advertising and Graphic Design Degree .....................................................................................VI-16
Advertising and Graphic Design Diploma ............................................................................VI-17
Advertising and Graphic Design Certificate .........................................................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Advertising Layout Certificate ........................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Creative Design Certificate ............................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Web Design Certificate ..................................................VI-19
Advertising and Graphic Design - Multimedia Design Certificate.........................................VI-19
Agribusiness Technology............................................................................................................. VI-20
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology Degree ................................................. VI-21
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Diploma ..................................... VI-22
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Heating Fundamentals Cert ....... VI-23
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Heat Pump Fundamentals Cert .......VI-23
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Refrigeration Certificate.......... VI-23
Associate Degree Nursing .......................................................................................................... VI-24
Automotive Systems Technology Degree ................................................................................... VI-25
Baking and Pastry Arts Degree .................................................................................................. VI-26
Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (BLET) .................................................................. VI-28
Biotechnology Degree ................................................................................................................ VI-28
Business Administration Degree ................................................................................................ VI-29
Business Administration Degree Entrepreneurship Pathway............................................... VI-30
Business Administration Diploma ........................................................................................ VI-32
Business Administration Certificate ..................................................................................... VI-32
Business Administration - Small Business Management Certificate .................................. VI-33
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship Certificate ..................................................... VI-33
Cardiovascular Sonography Degree........................................................................................... VI-33
Cardiovascular Sonography Diploma................................................................................... VI-34
Cardiovascular Sonography - Cardiac Certificate................................................................ VI-35
Cardiovascular Sonography - Vascular Certificate.............................................................. VI-35
Computer Information Technology Degree ................................................................................ VI-35
Computer Information Technology - Operating Systems Certificate .................................. VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Microsoft Office Certificate ........................................ VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Game Development Certificate ................................. VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Mobile Apps Foundation Certificate........................... VI-38
Computer Information Technology - Computer Support Certificate ................................... VI-38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information (Section I) I-5
Computer Information Technology - Cyber Forensics Certificate........................................ VI-38
Computer Technology Integration - Mobile Apps Development Degree..................................... VI-39
Criminal Justice Technology Degree .......................................................................................... VI-40
Criminal Justice Technology Diploma ................................................................................. VI-41
Criminal Justice Technology Certificate .............................................................................. VI-42
Criminal Justice Technology - Forensics Certificate ........................................................... VI-42
Culinary Arts Degree................................................................................................................... VI-43
Cyber Crime Technology Degree................................................................................................ VI-44
Early Childhood Education Degree ............................................................................................ VI-46
Early Childhood Education Diploma .................................................................................... VI-47
Early Childhood Education - Preschool Certificate ............................................................. VI-48
Early Childhood Education - Administration Certificate ...................................................... VI-48
Early Childhood Education - Pre-K Special Education Certificate....................................... VI-48
Electrical Systems Technology Degree ......................................................................................VI-49
Electrical Systems Technology Degree Hydro-Mechanical Pathway.................................. VI-50
Electrical Systems Technology Diploma ............................................................................. VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology Certificate .......................................................................... VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology - Industrial and Photovoltaic Wiring Certificate ................. VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology Hydro-Mechanical Certificate ........................................... VI-53
Emergency Medical Science Degree - Paramedic Bridge.......................................................... VI-53
Fire Protection Technology Degree ............................................................................................ VI-54
Funeral Service Education........................................................................................................... VI-55
Funeral Service Education - NC Funeral Director Diploma................................................. VI-56
General Occupational Technology Degree ................................................................................ VI-57
Human Services Technology Degree ......................................................................................... VI-58
Human Services Technology Diploma ................................................................................ VI-59
Human Services Technology - Substance Abuse Certificate ............................................. VI-60
Human Services Technology - Developmental Disabilities Certificate................................ VI-60
Human Services Technology - Gerontology Certificate....................................................... VI-60
Industrial Systems Technology Degree....................................................................................... VI-61
Industrial Systems Technology Degree Machining Pathway...............................................VI-62
Industrial Systems Technology - Machining Certificate....................................................... VI-64
Industrial Systems Technology - Maintenance Certificate................................................... VI-64
Industrial Systems Technology - Welding Certificate........................................................... VI-64
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate ................................................................................................... VI-65
Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Certificate ......................................................................... VI-65
Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree.............................................................................. VI-66
Mechanical Engineering Technology - Mechatronics Certificate......................................... VI-67
Mechatronics Engineering Technology Degree.......................................................................... VI-68
Medical Assisting Degree (Fall 2015) ......................................................................................... VI-70
Medical Assisting Diploma (Fall 2015).................................................................................VI-71.
Medical Assisting - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate (Fall 2015)..................VI-71
Medical Assisting Degree (Spring 2016) .................................................................................... VI-72
Medical Assisting Diploma (Spring 2016)............................................................................. VI-73.
Medical Assisting - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate (Spring 2016)............ VI-73
Medical Office Administration Degree .........................................................................................VI-74
Medical Office Administration - Medical Insurance Coding Diploma .................................. VI-75
Medical Office Administration Certificate ............................................................................ VI-76
Medical Office Administration - Healthcare Technology Certificate ................................... VI-76
Medical Sonography Degree ...................................................................................................... VI-77
Musculoskeletal Sonography....................................................................................................... VI-78
Nurse Aide Certificate.................................................................................................................. VI-79
Paralegal Technology Degree .................................................................................................... VI-79
Paralegal Technology Diploma ............................................................................................ VI-81
I-6 General Information (Section I)
Paralegal Technology Certificate ........................................................................................ VI-81
Practical Nursing Diploma ..........................................................................................................VI-82
School-Age Education Degree ...................................................................................................VI-82
School-Age Education Diploma .......................................................................................... VI-84
School-Age Education Certificate ....................................................................................... VI-84
School-Age Education - Special Education Certificate ....................................................... VI-85
School-Age Education - School Age Specialist Certificate.................................................. VI-85
Simulation and Game Development Degree............................................................................... VI-85
Therapeutic Massage Degree .................................................................................................... VI-87
Therapeutic Massage Diploma............................................................................................. VI-88
Web Technologies Degree.......................................................................................................... VI-88
Welding Technology Diploma......................................................................................................VI-90
Course Descriptions .............................................................................................................................VII-1
Career and Continuing Education ...................................................................................................... VIII-1
Adult Literacy Programs/College and Career Transitions .....................................................................IX-1
Board of Trustees ..................................................................................................................................X-1
Administration, Faculty, Staff .................................................................................................................X-2
Index .....................................................................................................................................................XI-1
General Information (Section I) I-7
HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE
South Piedmont is North Carolina’s newest community college, having been created in 1999 by the North
Carolina General Assembly. The legislature’s action abolished Anson Community College and assigned
the new college’s service area as Anson and Union counties in south-central North Carolina.
South Piedmont is in the unique position of being a new institution with a proud history. The institution
traces its roots to 1962, with the founding of the Ansonville unit of the Charlotte Industrial Education
Center. In collaboration with Stanly Community College, it also provided years of service in Union County
as Union Technical Education Center.
The institution was originally designated as the Ansonville Industrial Education Center in November 1962
by action of the State Department of Public Instruction. On December 2, 1967, the Anson County Board
of Education and County Commissioners officially appointed a local Board of Trustees. As a result, the
Ansonville Industrial Education Center became Anson Technical Institute, a unit of the Department of
Community Colleges of North Carolina.
Further progress, larger enrollment, and additional support from the community, especially Polkton
Mayor W. Cliff Martin, enabled Anson Technical Institute to acquire land, obtain additional funds, and
complete construction of a 28,000-square-foot building in Polkton in 1977. To better reflect the offerings
of the institution, the Board of Trustees on June 7, 1979, changed the name to Anson Technical College.
In 1981, Union Technical Education Consortium was created when Central Piedmont Community College
voluntarily withdrew from Union County and the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges
authorized service in the county by a consortium of Anson and Stanly community colleges.
Effective November 1, 1987, the official name of Anson Technical College was changed to Anson
Community College.
On May 19, 1999, Gov. Jim Hunt signed a bill, based upon recommendations of an independent study
team, that abolished Anson Community College and Union Technical Education Center and created
North Carolina’s newest community college. The signing of this bill created a single college with two
campuses, one in Anson County and one in Union County, to serve the residents of both counties, and
a new 14-member board of trustees was appointed.
The new college was named South Piedmont Community College on August 3, 1999, using one of the
441 different names suggested during a contest held during July.
South Piedmont expanded its operations, adding new buildings at the L. L. Polk Campus in Polkton,
adding a new campus at Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, and opening the Lockhart-Taylor Center in
Wadesboro. The Center for Technology and Health Education was opened at the Old Charlotte Highway
Campus in 2013.
New programs continue to be added to the College’s offerings, and enrollment has continued to grow.
In fall 2014, credit programs served 2,647 students, continuing education (non-credit) programs served
3,929, and adult literacy programs enrolled 1,485.
I-8 General Information (Section I)
STRATEGIC PLAN
2013-2016
As a learning college, South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) promotes and celebrates learning as
the process that changes and improves lives. This applies to our students, employees, and the college
itself. We are an organization in which people continually expand their ability to grow and learn.
The Strategic Plan highlights this focus on learning through our Vision (what we want to be), Mission
(who we are), Values (what directs our decisions), and Strategic Directions (what actions we will take to
fulfill the Vision and Mission).
Our Vision is:
To be the premier community college of choice, offering a full complement of general education,
transfer pre-majors, career and technical education, and workforce and economic development
programming to prepare students to be productive citizens in the global community.
Our Mission is:
Learning, student success, and workforce and community development
We Value a Personal and Institutional Commitment to:
• Affordable, quality access to excellent educational opportunities
• Academic achievement and student success
• Public and private partnerships
• Lifelong learning
• Data-driven decision making
• Respect for individuals
• Transparency through accurate and reliable communication
• Integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct
• Highest levels of financial stewardship
• Responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility
• Innovation
• Continuous improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Diversity and inclusiveness
• Sustainability
• Extraordinary customer service
• Community outreach
Strategic Direction One
Expand Student Program Opportunities
Strategic Goal 1: SPCC will create and maintain innovative educational programming of the
highest quality that supports the educational and career goals of students.
Key Strategies:
1-A Expand and improve the collaborative educational pipeline from Anson and Union public and private
schools to increase the number of students earning transferable college credits, degrees, and/or
industry-specific certifications.
1-B Align the college curriculum with the K-12 curriculum.
1-C Develop additional transfer pre-major opportunities, reflective of the needs and wants of students.
1-D Develop additional joint educational programs, partnership programs, and articulation agreements
General Information (Section I) I-9
with accredited institutions and public private entities to increase the number of course and degree
options available to students.
1-E Increase opportunities for co-op education, internships, and job placement.
1-F Develop new programs and courses that align with the changing needs of business and industry,
including programs and services focused on agriculture.
1-G Create new programs and services which support developmental education needs of students and
reduce the time spent in developmental education.
1-H Develop new educational programs and services that meet the needs of an aging community.
Strategic Direction Two
Create a Culture of Innovative Learning
Strategic Goal 2: SPCC will develop a learner-centered culture that provides employees the
resources to deliver quality instruction and support services that foster contextualized learn-ing
and allow for the measurement of academic success of learners.
Key Strategies:
2-A Integrate appropriate general education competencies into gateway courses.
2-B Develop and implement an educational master plan.
2-C Expand student learning outcomes assessment to all programs and courses delivered by SPCC.
2-D Increase distance learning opportunities and services.
2-E Implement strategies that reduce student costs for educational materials.
2-F Create a faculty-driven instructional innovation and research center to identify and implement
emerging educational trends and best practices.
2-G Increase professional development opportunities for all employees.
2-H Increase faculty innovation and educational programming through aggressive grant development.
Strategic Direction Three
Increase Enrollment and Retention
Strategic Goal 3: SPCC will increase the enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation rates
through strengthening academic and student support services.
Key Strategies:
3-A Implement recruitment and admission practices to increase the enrollment of all student populations.
3-B Provide intrusive and holistic interventions and engagement strategies to reach all student
populations.
3-C Create and offer expanded test preparation and study skills workshops.
3-D Implement the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve academic advising.
3-E Implement a First Year Experience (FYE) program.
3-F Strengthen tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI).
3-G Create and offer targeted test modules in mathematics, reading, English/writing.
3-H Increase library resources and targeted supplemental programming to support new and enhanced
programs.
Strategic Direction Four
Improve the Marketing Presence of the Institution
Strategic Goal 4: SPCC will ensure that it is recognized as the premier community college of
choice in its service area.
Key Strategies:
4-A Gather and utilize community input through focus groups, advisory boards, and community
I-10 General Information (Section I)
connections and involvement.
4-B Develop a marketing plan to highlight the quality, value, and innovation that SPCC brings to students,
business and industry, and the community.
4-C Develop a relevant, meaningful, and consistent social media presence.
4-D Create multiple aligned avenues to sustain dialogue with business, industry, education, and
community partners.
4-E Develop a diverse and meaningful community events series and publish a calendar to inform and
encourage residents to participate in college-sponsored events.
4-F Increase student activities to meet the interests and needs of students and encourage community
participation.
4-G Inform the community of the progress of the college and opportunities to assist through the SPCC
Foundation.
Strategic Direction Five
Improve the Quality of Operations and Services
Strategic Goal 5: SPCC will improve the quality of its operations and services.
Key Strategies:
5-A Create a strategic planning process that tracks and measures progress toward completion of key
strategies.
5-B Ensure the effectiveness of the institution through ongoing accreditation activities, quality
improvement efforts, and data-driven-decision making.
5-C Implement change to practices and programs based on evaluation of evidence provided to the
Senior Leadership Team by the Planning Council.
5-D Reduce institutional costs through research and implementation of appropriate education and
industry-driven best practices.
5-E Develop a “Quality Scorecard” to report on college progress to key constituent groups.
5-F Provide consistent and accurate documentation, evaluation, and reporting of institutional data to
all stakeholders in a timely manner.
Strategic Direction Six
Create a Collaborative College Community
Strategic Goal 6: SPCC will cultivate and support a collaborative environment of civility and
inclusion that respects individual differences and opinions.
Key Strategies:
6-A Create and support methods for college constituency groups to participate in the governance of
the college.
6-B Improve the method for measuring the internal climate of the college and demonstrate the use of
results for quality improvement.
6-C Develop and implement a plan to involve all employees, trustees, and foundation directors in sharing
the SPCC story with the public.
General Information (Section I) I-11
CORE SKILLS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
South Piedmont Community College advocates Thinking, Learning, and Interacting as critical
competencies for student achievement and lifelong learning in today’s global economy. These critical
competencies will be supported by six (6) core skills with identified measurable learning outcomes and
integrated into the Learning College’s instruction and activities.
To ensure the attainment of these core skills, South Piedmont Community College has established the
following Core Skills Learning Outcomes:
Written Communication
• The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through written communication in a manner
appropriate for the intended audience.
Oral Communication
• The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through oral communication in a manner
appropriate for the intended audience.
Intercultural Competence
• The learner will develop awareness, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for intercultural
competence.
Technology
• The learner will choose and utilize appropriate technologies to access, organize, analyze, and
communicate information.
Analysis and Interpretation
• The learner will apply the basic principles of interpretation and analysis to synthesize information.
Problem Solving
• The learner will apply the basic principles of mathematics and/or scientific inquiry to identify,
interpret, evaluate, and solve problems.
OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT
At SPCC, all students participate in the outcomes assessment process. This process helps answer the
fundamental learning college question: Are you, as a student, learning? How do we, as an institution, and
you, as a student, know? All curriculum programs at SPCC, from the Associate in Arts to Medical Assisting,
have program outcomes, course learning outcomes, and core skill outcomes which are assessed.
Program Outcomes answer the question, “What should graduates of this program be able to do?” Program
Outcome statements focus on the big picture. All programs have outcomes that are unique to that program.
Contact your program advisor to see what will be learned in your program of choice.
Course Learning Outcomes are statements that describe what learning is expected in a course. These
outcomes are found in course syllabi and state the knowledge, skills, or abilities students will gain upon
successful course completion. SPCC’s six (6) Core Skill Outcomes are assessed in every degree program,
usually within general education courses.
Results of all assessments are analyzed by instructors to determine what students know and how learning
can be improved. The College reserves the right to share samples of student work with regulatory and
accrediting bodies.
Decisions about continuous improvement in learning are made in a systematic way using the data from
the assessments submitted in TaskStream, the College’s online assessment management system.
I-12 General Information (Section I)
SPCC ePORTFOLIO
Beginning in the academic year 2014-2015, each student in a transfer degree program at South Piedmont
Community College with a projected graduation date of May 2016 or later will create an ePortfolio as
a graduation requirement. The SPCC ePortfolio is a web-based collection of a student’s academic
experiences and best college work, along with reflections that provide personal and academic contexts
for the work. While students make most design and content choices for the ePortfolio, each student must
include these minimum components:
• A welcome page
• A personal introduction
• Short-term and long-term learning goals
• A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of SPCC’s General Education
Core Skills
• A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of a student’s major or
program outcomes (not required by all programs)
• A page that highlights a student’s additional educational experiences
• A resume
The ePortfolio reflects SPCC’s commitment to promote and celebrate learning as the process that changes
and improves lives. For students, the ePortfolio provides both a unique learning opportunity based on
reflection and self-criticism and an opportunity to showcase personal and academic achievement to
faculty, family, friends, transfer institutions, scholarship committees and potential employers.
General Information (Section I) I-13
HOURS OF OPERATION
South Piedmont Community College offers classes, workshops, and seminars six days a week at various
times and locations. The College’s normal business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until
5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hours may be extended during registration periods. Summer
hours of operation may differ at all locations.
To obtain information regarding the College and its programs and services to the community, check our
website, www.spcc.edu, or call:
South Piedmont Community College observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
HIGHWAY 52
HIGHWAY 52
ROCKY RIVER RD.
STALLINGS RD.
HIGHWAY 200
HIGHWAY 75
US HIGHWAY 74 MONROE
POLKTON
WADESBORO
OLD CHARLOTTE HWY.
Old Charlotte
Highway Campus L.L. Polk
Campus
Lockhart-
Taylor
Center
L. L. Polk Campus, Polkton
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-272-5350
Old Charlotte Hwy. Campus, Monroe
704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Center for Technology and Health Education
704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-993-2435
Union County Anson County
I-14 General Information (Section I)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS
In February 1999, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges adopted 12 performance
measures for accountability. Amended in 2007, the performance measures for accountability were
modified to eight (8) measures. Effective 2013 the Performance Measures for Student Success Report
utilizes new measures, goals, and baselines adopted and approved June 2012. The baselines and goals
will remain static for three years and will be reset in 2016.
All community colleges are required to publish their performance on the measures annually in their
electronic catalog or on the Internet and in their printed catalog. The Performance Measures and the
results for the 2013-2014 fiscal year are as follows:
Data Source: 2015 Performance Measures for Student Success
Performance Measure System
Goal / Baseline
SPCC’s
Performance
Basic Skills Student Progress 51.2% / 20.6% 47.6%
High School Equivalency Diploma Passing
Rate 82.0% / 49.3% 72.3%
Developmental Student Success Rate in
College-Level English courses 74.9% / 45.2% 55.7%
Developmental Student Success Rate in
College-Level Math Courses 75.4% / 47.5% 66.3%
First Year Progression 74.6% / 53.2% 60.1%
Curriculum Student Completion Rate 45.6% / 28.6% 43.4%
Licensure and Certification Passing Rate 91.7% / 71.0% 78.0%
College Transfer Performance 93.8% / 71.2% 92.4%
The North Carolina Community College System website, www.nccommunitycolleges.edu, contains details
about the Performance Measures and Standards.
Visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Publications/index.html. Click on 2015 Performance Measures for
Student Success Report.
General Information (Section I) I-15
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015 - 2016
SCHEDULE CHANGES WILL BE PERMITTED PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE (10 PERCENT POINT);
DROP CLASS WITH REFUND WILL BE PERMITTED ON OR PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (16 Weeks)
August 17...........................First Day of Classes
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 14..........................Classes Resume
October 23.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
November 4........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
November 23 - 28...............Thanksgiving Holidays (College Closed)
November 30......................Classes Resume
December 15......................Fall Semester Ends
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (12 Weeks)
September 15.....................First Day of 12-Week Session
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
November 4........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
November 12......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 15......................End of 12-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (8-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 18.....................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
September 24.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
October 12..........................End of 1st 8-Week Session
October 14..........................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
November 16......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 20......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 15......................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (5-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
September 4.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 10.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
I-16 General Information (Section I)
September 21.....................End of 1st 5-Week Session
September 22.....................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
October 12..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 16..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 27.........................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
November 2........................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
November 20......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 2........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
December 11......................End of 3rd 5-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (4-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
September 1.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
September 3.......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 14.....................End of 1st 4-Week Session
September 15.....................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
September 30.....................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 2...........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 12..........................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 14..........................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
October 29.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 2........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 10......................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
November 11......................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 3........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
December 7........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
December 15......................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (16 Weeks)
January 11..........................First Day of Classes
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
March 17.............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 2.................................Classes Resume
April 6.................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
May 10................................Spring Semester Ends
May 11................................Graduation
General Information (Section I) I-17
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (12 Weeks)
February 9..........................First Day of 12-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 6.................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
April 14...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 12-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (8-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 12........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
February 18........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
March 7..............................End of 1st 8-Week Session
March 8..............................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 18...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
April 22...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (5-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 1..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)
February 4..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
February 15........................End of 1st 5-Week Session
February 16........................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 7..............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 10............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 21............................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 4.................................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
April 22...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
April 27...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
May 6..................................End of 3rd 5-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (4-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
January 27.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
I-18 General Information (Section I)
January 29.........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
February 8..........................End of 1st 4-Week Session
February 9..........................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
February 24........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
February 26........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
March 7..............................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
March 8..............................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
March 23............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 4.................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
April 12...............................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
April 13...............................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
April 28...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
May 2..................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SUMMER TERM 2016 (8 WEEKS)
May 31................................First Day of Classes
July 4..................................Independence Day Holiday (College Closed)
July 5..................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (8-Week Session)
July 11................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (8-Week Session)
July 26................................End of Summer Term
SUMMER TERM 2016 (4-WEEK SESSIONS)
May 31................................First Day of Classes
June 15...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
June 20...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
June 27...............................End of 1st 4-Week Session
June 28...............................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
July 4..................................Independence Day Holiday (College Closed)
July 14................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 19................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 26................................End of Summer Term
Admissions (Section II) II-1
Admissions Policy
South Piedmont Community College subscribes to the “open door” policy established by the North Carolina
Community College System. The College will admit all applicants who:
• Are 18 years old or older and/or
• Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
Please note that admission to the College does not guarantee admission to specific academic programs of
study at the College. Students must meet additional requirements for the programs. These requirements
can be found in the Admissions Procedures.
The College serves all students regardless of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or disability.
SPCC reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant during any period of time that the student is
suspended or expelled from another educational entity.
SPCC also reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant or student to programs physically offered
on high school locations that require compliance with the Jessica Lunsford Act.
Admissions Procedures and Information
New students are urged to complete the admissions process at least two (2) weeks prior to
registration and apply for financial aid at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration. If you are
applying to an SPCC health program, refer to www.spcc.edu for the admissions requirements for that
specific health program.
Students interested in pursuing a program of study/major MUST complete all admissions requirements
prior to first-time enrollment. Once all admissions requirements listed below are complete, you will be
placed into your program of study and may receive financial aid if eligible. Anyone wishing to register
for classes prior to completing his/her admissions file may do so as a Special Credit student. Special
Credit students are not eligible for financial aid. To ensure your financial aid is in place, make sure
your admissions file is complete at least two (2) weeks prior to registration.
Complete the SPCC Application for Admission
• You may complete an application for admission online at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student
Resources>Admissions. If you already have an account with CFNC, use your login information to fill
out SPCC’s application. If you do not have an account with CFNC, you may create one prior to filling
out the application. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may use our library to complete
this part of the process.
Submit official high school, high school equivalency, or Adult High School transcript
• It is your responsibility to request this transcript from the appropriate educational institution. It is also
your responsibility to pay any applicable fees to the appropriate institution.
• Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the high school, high school equivalency office,
or adult high school to SPCC. Unofficial (student issued, faxed, or e-mailed) transcripts will not be
accepted.
• If you graduated from the high school equivalency program at South Piedmont Community College,
you may request a copy of your scores from SPCC’s Basic Skills Department in lieu of an official
transcript.
• If you plan to submit a high school transcript from non-public institutions or online high school
programs, you must contact South Piedmont Community College’s Admissions Office to determine
if the transcript is acceptable for admission into your program of study.
ADMISSIONS
II-2 Admissions (Section II)
Submit official transcripts from all colleges listed on your admissions application
• A Request for Transcript Evaluation Form must be completed and sent to the Registrar for evaluation
of prior course credit.
• Transcripts may be sent from the college electronically through a secure provider such as E-scrip,
National Student Clearinghouse, ScripSafe, etc. Contact your college for details.
• All foreign transcripts (secondary and post-secondary) must be evaluated by an authorized evaluation
agency at your expense.
• A college transcript waiver may be available for extenuating circumstances.
• After official transcripts have been received, submit a completed Transcript Evaluation Request form
to the Registrar for evaluation of prior course credit.
Prepare for and take the College Placement Test (CPT)
• Testing times and dates vary depending on the type of test and campus location. Testing dates and
times can be found at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center. We strongly
recommend preparing for the test using the study guide found on our website at www.spcc.edu. The
purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as an SPCC student. It helps
you, as a new student, determine your skills in reading, English, mathematics, and computers. Skills
identified through the test, along with advisor guidance, will help place you in the most appropriate
course for your success. CPT scores are valid for five (5) years.
Complete the New Student Orientation
• New Student Orientation can be completed at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Orientation.
This is a short interactive class designed to introduce students to the resources available at SPCC.
At the end, under the Graduation section, you will be asked to answer a few questions and prompted
to provide your information to tract completion. You must answer all questions correctly; make sure
you are paying attention as you work through the course.
Reapplication to the College
If you have withdrawn in good standing and/or have not enrolled for two consecutive semesters (spring
and fall), you must reapply for admission to the College. Copies of academic transcripts and placement
tests may be required. If you have been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons, you must consult
with the Vice President of Student Services.
Admission of High School Students
Career and College Promise
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorized the State Board of Education and the
State Board of Community Colleges to establish the Career and College Promise program, effective
January 1, 2012.
Career and College Promise (CCP) provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities for
eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates,
diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. North
Carolina community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise pathways aligned with
the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready standards adopted by the State Board of Education:
• A College Transfer Pathway leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college transfer credit;
• A Career and Technical Education Pathway leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree;
• A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115D
of the General Statutes.
Admissions (Section II) II-3
Links to the following web pages with information on Career and College Promise are listed below. Each
web page targets a specific audience.
• North Carolina Community College System Office’s CCP web page:
www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/programs/ccp/
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s CCP web page:
www.ncpublicschools.org/ccpromise/
Early College High School
South Piedmont Community College in collaboration with the Anson County School System and the Union
County School System offers Early College High School programs for students living in each county.
Early College High Schools are classified as cooperative innovative high schools under the Career and
College Promise program. Students apply for admission to Anson County Early College (ACEC) or Union
County Early College (UCEC) in the eighth grade. Students enter the Early College program as freshmen
and earn a high school diploma and a two-year Associate Degree in Arts or Associate Degree in Science
within five (5) years. SPCC tuition is paid for ACEC and UCEC students. Upon graduation, students then
apply to transfer to the college or university of their choice.
Admission for Allied Health and Nursing Programs
If you are seeking admission into an SPCC health program, you will be required to meet all health program
admissions criteria and be officially accepted into the health program prior to taking program-specific health
classes. Each program has different admissions criteria. Refer to the specific Allied Health or Nursing
Admissions Requirements booklet for the health program in which you seek admission. These booklets may
be found in the offices of Enrollment Services in the Student Services Division of SPCC or on the website
at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Admission to Health Programs
Admission of International Students (Documented)
South Piedmont Community College considers admissions to documented foreign nationals. The following
must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment:
•• SPCC Application for Admission
•• System Data Gathering Form
•• Residency Application Form
•• Permanent Resident Alien Card (or other acceptable documentation)
SPCC is not able to issue I-20s to international students.
In order to be considered for in-state tuition rates, any Documented Foreign National applicant must provide
convincing documentation that he/she intends to make North Carolina his/her domicile (see Residency
Classification for Tuition Purposes in the Registration and Financial Information section of this catalog).
Although a student may possess valid documentation to be lawfully present in the United States, that
documentation does not guarantee the student has capacity to establish a domicile in the United States.
South Piedmont Community College does not have housing facilities, living accommodations, or associated
support programs for individuals from other countries. You are responsible for your own transportation.
Admission of International Students (Undocumented)
The North Carolina Community College System advised in Memorandum CC10-026 (effective June 10,
2010) that community colleges should admit or enroll undocumented immigrants only as follows:
•• Undocumented immigrants who are high school students may enroll in college-level courses
consistent with the Career and College Promise policy. Participation in this program is not based on
II-4 Admissions (Section II)
legal residence, but on attendance in a North Carolina high school. These courses are open to all
high school students attending high school (public, private, or home school) located in the state who
meet the eligibility criteria.
•• Undocumented immigrants may enroll in non-college level courses or programs including high school
equivalency preparation courses, Adult Basic Education, Adult High School, English as a Second
Language and other continuing education courses less than college level.
•• Undocumented or battered illegal immigrants who have been determined to meet one of the qualifying
conditions in Federal Law, 8 USC Section 1641 are eligible for college-level courses. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to produce sufficient written documentation to satisfy the College that the applicant is
eligible for post-secondary education benefits.
•• Undocumented immigrants must have attended and graduated from a United States public high
school, private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with state and local law.
Undocumented immigrants with a high school equivalency diploma are not considered to be “graduated
from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school” and therefore are not
eligible to be admitted.
•• Undocumented immigrants who are registered into a class are required to pay the out-of-state tuition
rate. The College shall not enroll undocumented students into a class or program of study for which
there are waiting lists, nor register undocumented students for classes until the conclusion of the last
published (i.e., late) registration period.
College Placement Testing
The purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as a student at South
Piedmont Community College. It helps you, as a new student, determine your skills in English, reading,
mathematics and computer skills. Skills identified through the CPT, along with counselor or advisor
guidance, will help with placement in the most appropriate courses for your success. CPT scores are
valid for five (5) years.
All associate degree, diploma, certificate, special credit, high school, and health program applicants
must complete the CPT (Reading, English, Mathematics and Computer Skills) prior to registration. All
degree and diploma students must meet all CPT requirements prior to completing their program of study.
Students transitioning from a certificate program into a diploma or degree program must meet the DMA
040 or MAT 070 requirement for graduation even if there is no math course in the program.
Admissions (Section II) II-5
SPCC CPT Score Report/Academic Assessment
Placement Minimum Required Score
English/Reading Cut Score:
Counselor Referral Below 104
DRE 096 104
DRE 097 117
DRE 098 136
ENG 111 151
Computer Skills:
CIS 110 80
Mathematics:
Counselor Referral 1 - DMA 010; 6 or below - all other DMA sections
DMA 010 7
DMA 020 7
DMA 030 7
DMA 040 7
DMA 050 7
DMA 060 7
DMA 070 and DMA 080 Based on DMA 060 score
You must show proof of ID (State, Federal, or College ID) before admission to the Testing Center. Minors
without proper ID must contact the Testing Center prior to testing. The Testing Center staff will offer “pre-test”
advisement to you regarding the serious nature of the test. Test resources and study materials are
available on the SPCC website www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center>CPT Test
Prep Resources.
Once you have completed the College Placement Test, the Testing Center staff will refer you to a counselor or
to an advisor in the Advising Center for further assistance. Contact one of the following for Testing/Assessment
information:
L. L. Polk Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-272-5338
Old Charlotte Highway Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-290-5841
Assistant Director, Admissions/Testing 704-290-5847
CPT Exemptions
All new students applying to a curriculum program are required to take the CPT unless they qualify for a
CPT Waiver through one of the following options:
Multiple Measures Waiver for North Carolina High School Graduates
As evidenced by an official high school transcript, a student must have:
• Graduated within five (5) years of starting classes at SPCC
• Achieved an un-weighted GPA of 2.6 or higher
• Completed a fourth level math course
(Advanced Functions and Modeling, Analytical, Geometry, AP Statistics, Calculus, Discrete
Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics IV, Mindset, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics,
Trigonometry, or International Baccalaureate Mathematics)
II-6 Admissions (Section II)
Standardized Test Scores
As evidenced by official SAT or ACT test score reports that were taken within five years of starting classes
at SPCC, a student must meet following scores:
SAT Minimum Score CPT Section Waived
Critical Reading 500 Reading/English
Writing 500 Reading/English
Mathematics 500 Math
ACT Minimum Score CPT Section Waived
Reading 22 Reading/English
English 18 Reading/English
Mathematics 22 Math
College-Level Transfer Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed a college-level
English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of “C” or higher. All transfer
credit must be officially transferred in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded.
SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college
transcript.
Transferable Developmental Course Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed all program required
developmental level courses in English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade
of “C” or higher within five (5) years of enrolling at SPCC. All transfer credits must be officially transferred
in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded. SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms
must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college transcript.
Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Exam Program (CLEP) Waivers
Exception will be allowed as evidenced by official score reports for required English and/or math sent to
SPCC directly from Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Exam Program (CLEP) agencies. Scores
vary by test and subject area. Visit AP or CLEP websites for full details.
Bachelor’s Degree Waiver
As evidenced by an official college transcript, applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or
higher will be exempt from taking the placement test. Students wishing to pursue a Transfer Credit Appeal
are required to complete the CPT as the first step in the appeal process.
Program Waiver
If a student is participating in a program that does not require testing for entry, the College Placement
Test may be waived while the student participates in that program. If the student leaves the program,
the student will be required to take the college Placement Test prior to admission into another program.
Students must present all appropriate documentation when requesting a waiver. Students who qualify
for a waiver in either English or math, but not both, will need to complete the CPT section not exempted.
Transcripts are considered to be “official” when issued in a sealed, unopened envelope by the granting
institution. If you have questions about whether the transcript you have on hand may be considered as
an official copy, contact the Admissions Office.
Placement Testing for Distance Learning Students
Students outside the College’s service area should contact the Assistant Director of Admissions and
Testing for information on College Placement Testing at 704-290-5847.
Admissions (Section II) II-7
CPT Retest Procedures
You may be granted ACCUPLACER retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
• You took original test section within five (5 ) years AND
• You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
• Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
• Demonstrate 50 percent progress on at least three (3) needed Missions on Khan Academy.
• Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
• Pay required retest fee
• A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section (DMA or DRE) as long as the scores are
valid (five years).
• A student may retest free of charge if appropriate test section was taken over five (5) years ago
or a special circumstance exists.
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and
a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing
coordinators and/or the Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest if validity
of a request is questioned.
TABE Retest Guidelines
You may be granted TABE retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
• You took original test section within one (1) year AND
• You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
• Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
• Demonstrate 50 percent progress in at least three (3) needed Missions on Khan Academy.
• Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
• Pay required retest fee
• A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section every six (6) months
• A student may retest free of charge if the test section was taken over one (1) year prior
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and
a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing
coordinators and/or the Assistant Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest
if validity of a request is questioned.
Acceptance of Credit
SPCC evaluates, awards, and accepts credit for transfer, credit by exam, credit by nationally recognized
industry credential, and advanced placement. The College ensures that all associated coursework
and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to those for SPCC degree programs.
All requests for transfer credit should be made before enrolling but after application and transcripts
received at South Piedmont Community College. In order to obtain transfer credit evaluations, a student
must complete a Request for Transcript Evaluation form and supply the College with appropriate
transcripts as well as course descriptions or catalogs, if the College requests them.
Students who have completed coursework at other colleges and universities should submit official
transcripts of all post-secondary work. Transfer credit may be awarded for appropriate military courses
based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendation. If a student submits transcripts
from foreign universities, it is his or her responsibility to provide accurate translations from an approved
evaluation agency (e.g., WES) of the (a) transcript, (b) course descriptions, and (c) grading system.
Credit will be evaluated in the context of the current SPCC college catalog and awarded according to
the following criteria:
II-8 Admissions (Section II)
• Prior coursework must correspond in instructional hours and content and must be substantially
similar to SPCC courses required in the degree, diploma, or certificate being sought. Quarter-hour
courses must equate to the semester-hour equivalent of the current required course, either by a
combination of courses or as standalone by using the 3:2 ratio (2/3). Coursework must have been
completed at a regionally accredited college recognized by the Commission on Colleges or other
nationally known accrediting body.
• Coursework must have been completed with a “C” or better.
• Transfer students must meet Residency Requirements for Graduation.
The decision as to how much, if any, transfer credit will be awarded and how such transfer credit will be
applied is discretionary on the part of the College.
Noncredit to Credit Policy
South Piedmont Community College awards curriculum credits for non-credit work. This includes nationally
recognized industry credentials, credit by examination, approved Continuing Education courses, or through
provisions identified in numbered memos and/or guidance from the North Carolina Community College
System, and/or when a state-approved bridging program is in place.
Students interested in receiving curriculum credits for non-credit work (continuing education courses,
state or national licenses) may obtain information from the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
The 2014 Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), approved February 2014, between the State
Board of the North Carolina Community College System and the Board of Governors of the University of
North Carolina establishes the procedures for governing the transfer of credits for students who transfer
from a North Carolina Community College to a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina.
The CAA does not address admission to a specific institution or to a specific major within an institution.
To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the CAA, the student must graduate from the community
college with an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS) degree and have an overall
Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of “C” or better in all CAA courses.
Students who do not complete the degree are eligible to transfer credits on a course-by-course bases.
Additionally the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement allows for transfer of Associate in
Arts and Associate in Science degree program credits to some private institutions. For more information
regarding the transfer status of specific courses and curricula, visit the Future Students section on the
SPCC Website or contact the senior institution.
Advanced Placement (AP) Course Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects taken in high school if they have a designation
of Advanced Placement and appropriate score on an Advanced Placement exam at the end of the
course. Credit must be applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements. Advanced credit must
be supported by official test score reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are
awarded. Official documentation verifying test scores is required. All approved and recorded Advanced
Placement credit will be assigned a grade of “AP”.
Admissions (Section II) II-9
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects covered under placement examinations. The
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject area exams may be evaluated for SPCC college
credit. Test scores must meet ACE (American Council on Education) recommendations. Credit must be
applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements and must be supported by official test score
reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are awarded. Official documentation
verifying test scores is required.
Tech Prep Credit
In cooperation with the local high schools, South Piedmont Community College participates in and supports
the Tech Prep (Technical Preparation) program. Pertaining to credit for Tech Prep, the College adheres
to the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement as set forth by the
North Carolina Community College System and the NC Department of Public Instruction. The Tech Prep
program is a course of study for high school students designed to meet the needs for a more technically
oriented educational background. Through a blending of higher level academic and vocational courses,
Tech Prep prepares students for the advanced courses required by South Piedmont Community College.
Requirements for the Tech Prep advanced placement are:
• Earn a grade of “B” or higher in the course at the high school level and
• Score a 93 or higher on the course post-assessment
In order to receive credit as per the agreement, you must enroll at the community college within two
years of your high school graduation date and immediately notify the Registrar of your Tech Prep status.
Courses accepted for advanced placement will appear on your transcript. All approved and recorded
Tech Prep credit will be assigned a grade of “TP”.
Educational Experiences in the Armed Services Credit
It is the policy of South Piedmont Community College to award credit for training experiences in the
Armed Services. Such experiences must be certified by the American Council on Education. Credit will
be given on the basis of individual evaluation by the Registrar. Creditable military experience must closely
correspond to courses in the South Piedmont Community College curriculum for which you are applying.
College credit earned while in the Armed Services must be substantiated with an official transcript of
coursework from the Department of Defense or applicable college.
International Transcript Credit
International transcripts require an official English translation. If your college or university transcripts
are not from the United States, you must have an International Transcript Evaluation completed by an
evaluation agency at your expense. Submit your transcript, course descriptions, and the grading system
to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES),
World Education Services (WES), or International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE) for an international
evaluation. A letter grade of “A,” “B,” or “C” and earned credit hours must be provided for each course.
Course equivalencies based on terms such as “Excellent” or “Good” are not acceptable. If you submit
transcripts from foreign universities, it is your responsibility to provide accurate translations of (1) the
transcript, (2) course descriptions, and (3) the grading system.
II-10 Admissions (Section II)
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) OF 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 grants to you certain rights, privileges, and
protections relative to individually identifiable student educational records which are maintained by SPCC.
Specifically, SPCC has adopted the following general guidelines and specific procedures on access to and
release of student records to officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or
where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment
or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34 (§99.31 (a)(2)).
Directory Information
Certain information is considered to be “directory information” and may be used for directory purposes
unless you specifically request directory information to be protected. SPCC may, but is not required,
include all of the information listed. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), directory information relating to a student includes the following:
• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic
systems but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records when used in
conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password,
or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in
part, cannot be used for this purpose.)
• Student ID number or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student ID badge, but only
if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction
with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor
known or possessed only by the authorized user.
Right of the College to Refuse Access
SPCC reserves the right to refuse to permit you to inspect the following records:
• Financial statement of your parents
• Letters and statements of recommendation for which you have waived your rights of access or which
were filed before January 1, 1975
• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation concerning admission, employment, honor
or honorary recognition if you have signed a waiver of your right of access
• Record being withheld for failure to meet financial obligations
Disclosure of Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights with respect to their
children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of
18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Educational Records means those records, files,
documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained
Admissions (Section II) II-11
by SPCC or by any person acting for the College. Not included in the term “educational records” are
records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and records created or maintained by a
physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or para-professional acting in his/her
professional capacity. Any student has the right to his/her educational records. This includes the right to:
• Inspect and review the contents of these records.
• Obtain copies of those records at the cost of reproducing those copies.
• A response from the custodian of the records to reasonable requests for explanations and
interpretations of those records.
• An opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of those records.
Disclosure of Educational Records to Third Parties
SPCC will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the
student, except to:
• School officials (administrators, professional staff, faculty, and Board of Trustee members) who have
a legitimate educational interest in the records.
• Certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Controller General, and state and local
education programs.
• Comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena, only after a reasonable effort has been
made to notify the student involved of such order.
• Appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
• Accrediting agencies if the information is necessary to the accrediting organization in order to carry
out their accrediting function.
For additional information pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), consult
the Registrar or Vice President of Student Services.
Destruction of Records
Disciplinary, college activity, and various other records are periodically destroyed. SPCC assumes no
obligation to provide you the information contained in such records following their destruction.
FERPA Exceptions
The only exceptions to this rule of confidentiality are the following:
1. If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to another person in the near future, it is your counselor’s
duty to warn the person involved. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely
necessary.
2. If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to yourself in the near future, it is your counselor’s duty
to contact others. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely necessary.
3. If you share information about the abuse or neglect of any juvenile(s) or disabled adult(s), your
counselor may be required by state law to report that information to the Department of Social
Services.
4. If ordered to do so by a judge as part of judicial proceedings.
II-12 Admissions (Section II)
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-1
REGISTRATION
Once you have completed the admissions process, you are ready to register for classes during the
registration times listed on the SPCC website, www.spcc.edu. New students must meet with a counselor
or Advising Center advisor to register. Advising Centers are available at both the L. L. Polk campus and the
Old Charlotte Highway campus and are staffed with SPCC faculty and staff to assist you in the advising
and registration process. Currently enrolled students may register through WebAdvisor or in person.
Registration is conducted online via http://go.spcc.edu. This website gives you access to online registration,
grades, advising, financial aid, class schedules, college updates, and more. Visit http://go.spcc.edu. Enter
your Username and Password if you are a current student. Click on Active Campus Portal. Under the
WebAdvisor tab, click on “Registration.” Then select “Search for Sections” or “Search and Register” to
begin your online registration.
Access to the registration system may be blocked if a financial or academic hold has been placed on
your record. Some classes require special permission to register. You are responsible for paying for all
scheduled classes by the published due date.
Gmail Accounts
South Piedmont Community College provides you with an e-mail account through Google e-mail, also
known as Gmail. Gmail accounts will be the primary tool for instructors and staff to communicate with you
regarding important announcements and official College business. Therefore, you should access the Gmail
account regularly so important information and/or dates are not missed. Gmail accounts are the property
of SPCC and may be accessed to verify disputed information.
Gmail is accessible through this link: https://www.google.com/a/students.spcc.edu. Instructions for setting
up your Gmail account will be provided by the Advising Center or Library.
Schedule Changes
If you decide that the course load you’ve registered for may be too heavy or too light, you may visit the
Advising Center or go online to WebAdvisor to drop or add courses during the Schedule Change period
without grade penalty. The Schedule Change period is published in the Academic Calendar in this catalog
and is posted on SPCC’s website. Your must contact the Advising Center or a counselor to drop your last
registered class as this option is not available online in WebAdvisor.
NOTE: If the course you wish to take has a prerequisite or a corequisite, you are required to meet those
course requirements. All prerequisites must have been satisfactorily completed before registering for the
course. When dropping a course with a corequisite, both the corequisite and the course requiring the
corequisite must be dropped. Refunds are processed according to the State Board of Community
Colleges Code 1E SBCCC 300.99.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition for in-state and out-of-state residents is set by the North Carolina General Assembly and is subject
to change by the NC General Assembly without notice. Fees are set by the North Carolina General
Assembly, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the South Piedmont Community
College Board of Trustees and are subject to change without notice.
REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
III-2 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The tuition charge for persons who have been legal residents of North Carolina for at least 12 months
is less than for non-residents. G.S. 116-431.1 of NC General Statutes covers the requirements for the
determination of resident status for tuition purposes. A portion of G.S. 116-143.1 is quoted as follows:
To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile)
in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his/
her classification as a resident for tuition purposes. To be eligible for classification as a resident for
tuition purposes, a person must establish that his/her presence in the State currently is, and during
the requisite 12-month qualifying period, was for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile rather
than to maintain a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher
education.
An individual shall not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes “...until he/she has provided such
evidence related to legal residence and its duration as may be required by officials of the institution...”
Information relating to claimed North Carolina residence for tuition purposes shall be required from
all applicants claiming to be North Carolina residents, and a determination shall be made by the
Admissions Office as to whether or not the applicant qualifies for in-state tuition rates. Should the ruling
be contrary to the applicant’s expectation, it may be appealed to the State Residence Committee. In
the event that an appeal is deemed necessary, full information on procedures shall be provided by the
Dean of Enrollment Services.
The burden of establishing facts that justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state
tuition rates is on the applicant for such classification.
Decision by the College will be based on the requirements of the General Statutes of North Carolina and
regulations specified in “A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina
in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes.”
In-State Tuition
In-state tuition is $76.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up to 16 semester credit hours. Students
taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $1,216.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 32.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.55
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Student Assessment Fee 16.00
Total $1,317.55
Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition applies to any student whose legal residence is outside of North Carolina (see Residency
Classification for Tuition Purposes). Out-of-state tuition is $268.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up
to 16 semester credit hours. Students taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $4,288.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 32.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.55
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Student Assessment Fee 16.00
Total $4,389.55
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-3
Technology Fee
The Technology Fee is $2 per semester hour up to a maximum of $32 for 16 or more semester hours.
This fee is used to support the procurement, operations, and repair of computers and other instructional
technology including supplies and materials that support the technology.
Activity Fee
The Activity Fee supports cultural activities, entertainment, and recreational activities sponsored by the
Student Government Association. This fee is $2 per semester hour up to a maximum of $32 for 16 or
more semester hours.
Accident Insurance
The College provides all students who pay the $1.55 student accident insurance fee with accidental injury,
accidental death, and dismemberment insurance while on campus or while participating in off-campus,
College-sponsored and/or supervised activities. This is a limited supplemental policy.
Academic Support Fee
The Academic Support Fee is $6.00 for 1 to 3 credit hours per semester, $12.00 for 4 to 6 credit hours,
$18.00 for 7 to 9 credit hours, and a maximum of $20.00 for 10 or more credit hours per semester. This fee
supports the efforts of providing academic support to students through tutoring services. The Academic
Support Fee is required and payable with tuition.
Student Assessment Fee
The Student Assessment Fee is $16 per student, per semester. This fee helps to offset the cost of assessment
tools provided by the Academic Affairs Division. The $16 Student Assessment Fee is required and payable
with tuition.
Lab Fees
A $15 per semester lab fee is charged for certain courses with lab hours. A $7 per course fee is charged for
online courses. A $3.50 per course fee is charged for blended courses.
Special Fees
Additional fees may be charged for some programs (e.g., equipment fees, liability insurance, etc.). SPCC
does not charge a fee associated with verification of the identity of online students. Should the need arise,
students will be notified of any fees associated with identity verification at the time of registration through
standard venues for curriculum fee notifications.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
After you have registered, you must pay your tuition and fees. These may be paid with cash, check, money
order, credit card, or through the approved SPCC payment plan. Check the SPCC website at www.spcc.edu
or contact the Business Office at 704-272-5348, 704-272-5358, or 704-290-5849 for additional information.
With a valid driver’s license, personal checks are electronically processed upon receipt. Returned checks
incur a fee of $25. SPCC accepts credit card payment by phone from the cardholder only.
If you have an unpaid balance on your student account at the end of a semester, you will receive a bill in
the mail from SPCC’s Business Office. If the matter is not resolved within 30 days, your account will be
III-4 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
turned over to the North Carolina Attorney General’s office for collection proceedings. If the matter still is
not resolved within the next 30 days, the account is reported to a collection agency for further collection
proceedings. The North Carolina Department of Revenue is also notified of the debt. If it becomes
necessary for South Piedmont Community College to refer an unpaid balance to a collection agency, you
will be expected to pay all fees associated with the collection in addition to the unpaid balance.
Textbooks and Other Costs
You will be expected to purchase textbooks and supplies for classes in your program of study. The SPCC
bookstores on the L. L. Polk campus and on the Old Charlotte Highway campus sell textbooks and supplies.
Information on textbook refunds, textbook rental and textbook buy-backs is available at the bookstores.
You may contact the L. L. Polk campus bookstore at 704-272-5376 or the Old Charlotte Highway campus
bookstore at 704-290-5848.
Refund Policy
Refunds are processed under the North Carolina Community College System refund policy.
•• SPCC will refund 100% of the tuition paid if the College cancels a class or if you drop class(es) before
the first day of the semester.
•• SPCC will refund 75% of the tuition paid if you drop the class(es) on or prior to class census date. If
classes are dropped on or prior to class census date, you are responsible for paying 25% of the
tuition. NOTE: Financial aid will not pay the 25%.
•• Tuition refunds will not be granted if you withdraw after the class census date, even if you have not
attended any class.
•• Refunds will not be made in the amount of $5 or less.
Military Tuition Refund
Upon request by the student and appropriate documentation, the College will grant a full refund of tuition
and fees to military affiliated students called to active duty or active duty personnel who have received
temporary or permanent reassignments as a result of military operations taking place outside the state
of North Carolina that make it impossible for that student to complete his/her course requirements during
the current semester or term.
Death of Student Refund
In the event of a student’s death during a semester or term, all tuition and fees the student had paid that
semester or term may be refunded to the estate of the deceased.
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You
may choose any of the following methods to file a FAFSA: (1) Log in to www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply online
(recommended); (2) Complete a PDF FAFSA obtained online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/options.htm which
must be mailed in for processing; or (3) Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-
3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, you may contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Always be sure to list South Piedmont Community College’s school code (007985) in Step 6 of the FAFSA
to ensure the South Piedmont Community College Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs receives
your application.
Information entered into the FAFSA is reviewed according to federal guidelines. This ensures that all
applicants are treated fairly and equitably. Income, assets, family size, marital status, and the number of
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-5
family members in college are used to determine financial need. Once your eligibility for financial aid has
been determined, your award letter will be available for viewing or printing on your SPCC Go! Account
at http://go.spcc.edu. Financial aid covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books (not to exceed the eligible
amount). Your SPCC ID card will be required when making purchases in the College bookstores. Each
semester, any remaining financial aid balance will be sent to your current mailing address as listed with
the SPCC Registrar’s Office.
NOTE: Students who withdraw or stop attending before the 60% point of the semester have not earned
their awards and will be required to repay unearned financial aid funding.
The FAFSA is available beginning January 1 of each year for the upcoming academic year (July 1 through
June 30). Each academic year, you must complete or renew the FAFSA. You are encouraged to apply
at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration for the semester you intend to enter the College. To receive
priority consideration for all types of financial aid, students should complete all financial aid forms and
requirements by the listed dates:
Fall Semester Enrollment June 15
Spring Semester Enrollment November 15
Summer Term Enrollment March 15
If your eligibility for financial aid has not been determined or your file is not complete before the tuition
payment deadline for each semester, you will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees, and all other
applicable charges. Payment deadlines are published on college calendars and generally occur 30 days
prior to the start of each semester.
Student Responsibilities
To receive Federal Financial Aid and State assistance, you must:
•• Demonstrate financial need as determined by a completed FAFSA
•• Have an official high school diploma or a high school equivalency on file with the College
•• Be enrolled in an eligible academic program
•• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
•• Be a U. S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
•• Have a valid Social Security Number
•• Certify that federal student aid will be used for educational purposes
•• Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money on a
federal student grant
•• Certify that you have not been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs
•• Register with Selective Service
Courses not eligible for federal financial aid include, but are not limited to:
•• Special Credit (undeclared major)
•• Credit by Examination (test-out)
•• Audited courses
•• High school programs (Career and College Promise, Early College)
•• Certificate programs that are less than 16 credit hours in length
•• Non-credit courses/Continuing Education courses
Types of Financial Aid Available
Federal Financial Aid
•• Federal Pell Grants are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Pell grants are for
college undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
III-6 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
•• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) offer financial assistance to students
who have exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based on the financial need established by completing
the FAFSA application and awarded to students who meet the priority filing deadlines.
•• Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who meet eligibility requirements and wish to
earn part of the cost of attending SPCC. Work-study employment is available on both campuses on
a part-time basis (usually 10-27.5 hours per week). If you are interested in a work-study job with the
College, you must complete a FAFSA and an SPCC Application for Federal Work-Study Employment.
The application for Federal Work-Study Employment is located on the College’s website at
www.spcc.edu. Click on Faculty & Staff>Jobs@SPCC.
State Financial Aid
•• North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) may be awarded to students who are North
Carolina residents enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in an eligible curriculum
program. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students who are
not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCCCG based on their estimated family
contribution (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a FAFSA in
order to be eligible for this grant.
•• North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS) is available to NC residents for tuition purposes
who enroll in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in a curriculum program and make satisfactory
academic progress. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students
who are not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCELS based on their estimated
family contributions (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a
FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for this grant.
•• North Carolina Community College Child Care Assistance provides child care assistance to students
who have custody or joint custody of their children who are under six (6) years of age and are not yet
enrolled in school. Child care providers must be licensed and regulated by the State of North Carolina.
Applicants must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled in at least eight (8) credit hours of seated classroom
instruction, and be making satisfactory academic progress.
•• North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program includes the Less Than Half-Time Funds and High
Demand Low Enrollment Funds. The Less Than Half-Time funds provide funding for students who
are enrolled less than half-time in certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs. Students must
complete the FAFSA and have an EFC between 801 and 4,000 and be enrolled in less than six (6)
credit hours. Qualified students are eligible for $30 per semester hour. High Demand Low Enrollment
funds are awarded to students who enroll in low-enrollment programs of study that prepare the students
for high-demand occupations in local communities. High demand programs are selected on an annual
basis and funding amounts vary.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from federal, state and local sources. They are awarded based on donor
criteria, financial need, academic performance, and/or time of application. Students applying to
receive scholarships must complete the FAFSA and the SPCC Online Scholarship Application accessible
through the financial aid section on our college website www.spcc.edu under Student Resources.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
The Forgivable Education Loans for Service Program was established by the General Assembly in 2011
to provide financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to qualified students who are committed to
working in North Carolina to lessen identified critical employment shortages. The program is designed to be
flexible so that it will respond to current as well as future employment shortages in the State. The program
currently targets future teachers, nurses, and allied health professionals. The program is administered by
the State Education Assistance Authority and potentially eligible programs can be found on the College
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-7
Foundation of North Carolina website. The following programs of study may qualify as eligible programs
at South Piedmont Community College: Emergency Medical Science, Medical Technology programs,
Sonography, Nursing, and education programs that lead students to obtaining licensure from the North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction and teaching in a qualified position in North Carolina. Applications
become available in January and award selection is made in April of each year. Additional information and
updates about the application process are available at www.cfnc.org/FELS.
North Carolina Community College Loan Program
The North Carolina Community College Loan Program provides eligible students with short-term emergency
loan funds. Funds are normally limited to $150 and all loans must be fully repaid within 30 days of
disbursement. To be eligible, a student must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) and be making satisfactory academic progress. Funding is limited and approved on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Alternative Loans
South Piedmont Community College is not affiliated with and does not maintain a preferred lender agreement
with any private loan company or program. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will provide
student selected loan companies with certification information in accordance with unmet need and enrollment
status as determined by a completed FAFSA application and college registration.
Direct Loans
South Piedmont Community College does not currently participate in the Federal Direct Loan program.
Therefore, students are not currently eligible for subsidized, unsubsidized, or parent PLUS loans under
the current Federal Direct Loan programs while attending SPCC.
Payment Plans
SPCC has partnered with NELNET Business Solutions to provide an automatic payment plan for students
who wish to self-pay by making scheduled payments for school-related charges. The plan offers online
enrollment, flexible payment options, and no interest fees. Contact SPCC’s Business Office at 704-272-5348 for
more information. A credit/debit card/checking account and $25 enrollment fee are required for plan activation.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Certain students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities that limit employment opportunities
may be eligible for financial assistance through local Vocational Rehabilitation offices or the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Resources, in Raleigh.
Workforce Investment Act
WIA funds are intended to provide financial assistance to students who have recently become unemployed.
Assistance may be provided for tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, child care, and transportation. The
duration of any individual WIA award is based upon the availability of funds as well as student satisfactory
progress measures that may be imposed. More information about WIA can be obtained by contacting the
Toll Free Joblink Career Centers information line at 877-632-2447.
Enrollment Status
A student’s enrollment status has a direct effect on financial aid that can be awarded. Most state and
federal grants are prorated based on the enrollment status. Students who are enrolled in 12 or more
credit hours are considered to be full-time students. Students who are enrolled 9-11 credit hours are three-quarter
time, 6-8 credit hours are half-time, and students who enroll in 1-5 credit hours are considered less
than half-time. Credit hours can only be counted if they apply to an eligible program of study and cannot
include more than 30 credit hours of developmental courses. Annual awards cover a 9-month period
and are split between two semesters. The number of authorized credit hours each semester is used to
III-8 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
calculate the actual authorized semester awards. Awarded financial aid can be viewed on the student’s
college-provided GO account.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Students Receiving Financial Aid
Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain strict academic (Qualitative) and
progress (Quantitative) standards while pursuing their educational goals.
Students receiving financial aid are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine progression.
Students must meet the Academic Standard (Qualitative), the Program Completion Standard (Quantitative)
and stay within the Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative) to remain in a satisfactory status.
Procedure
Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain strict academic (Qualitative) and
progress (Quantitative) standards while pursuing their educational goals. Students receiving financial aid
should note that the college-wide Probation Policy for academic progress contains the same grade point
average (GPA) requirements as the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy; however,
the SAP policy for students receiving financial aid is stricter than the college-wide Probation Policy for
students enrolled in the same educational program who are not receiving financial aid. The SAP policy
is applied to all student categories, i.e., full-time or part-time, who receive financial aid within eligible
curriculum degree, diploma, and certificate programs established by the school.
Students receiving financial aid are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine progression.
Students must meet the Academic Standard (Qualitative), the Program Completion Standard (Quantitative),
and stay within the Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative) to remain in a satisfactory status.
Academic Standard (Qualitative)
Students receiving financial aid must maintain a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA. SAP GPA includes “all”
curriculum classes taken at South Piedmont Community College and any accepted transfer credits,
regardless of time frame. Classes with an “incomplete” (I) or any “withdrawal” (W) grade are included in
the SAP GPA just like an “F” and count toward the attempted credit hours. All classes that are repeated
count toward the SAP GPA and the attempted/completed credit hours.
If a student’s cumulative SAP GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on a financial aid warning status
and will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning
period of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to achieve the cumulative
2.0 SAP GPA. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the
end of the warning period a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA is not achieved, the student is no longer eligible to
receive financial aid and will be placed in a financial aid unsatisfactory status. The student may regain
financial aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA through self-pay or outside resources.
Program Completion Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete at least two-thirds or 67 percent of all curriculum hours
attempted at South Piedmont Community College including accepted transfer credits, regardless of time
frame. The percentage is determined by taking the cumulative total of credit hours completed divided
by the cumulative total of hours attempted. For example, a student who has completed 32 hours and
attempted 64 hours has a completion rate of 50 percent (32 divided by 64). Attempted but not completed
credit hours include: incompletes, withdrawals, repeated classes, and courses with a grade of “F.”
If a student’s percentage rate falls below 67 percent, the student is placed on a warning status and will
be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning period
of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to earn a 67 percent or more
completion rate. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the
end of the warning period a cumulative 67 percent completion rate is not achieved, the student is placed
in an unsatisfactory status and is no longer eligible for financial aid. The student may regain financial
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-9
aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 67 percent or more completion rate through self-pay or outside
resources.
Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete their educational program within 150 percent of the
published length of that program. Students who exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame are no longer
eligible to receive financial aid at SPCC. The Maximum Time frame Standard includes all curriculum hours
attempted and any accepted transfer credits or developmental credit hours, regardless of time frame. The
SPCC college catalog provides a course listing for each educational program and the number of credit
hours needed to complete the program. The published program lengths do not include developmental
education hours that may be required for individual students. For example, the Associate Degree in
Computer Information Technology is 66 credit hours in length; therefore, a student receiving financial aid
enrolled in that program may attempt, including accepted transfer and developmental education credit
hours, up to 99 credit hours (66 credit hours times 150 percent) and remain eligible for financial aid.
Additionally, students who cannot mathematically complete their program of study by the 150 percent
maximum time frame will no longer be eligible for financial aid. Example: A student is in a program which
would allow for a maximum of 99 credit hours and the student has attempted 90 credit hours and needs
4 additional courses which total 16 credit hours to complete the program. Adding the 90 credit hours
attempted to the 16 credit hours still required equals 106 credit hours which is more than the 99 credit hours
allowed. Mathematically the student could not complete the program prior to the 150 percent maximum
time frame and would no longer be eligible for financial aid at South Piedmont Community College.
Appeal Process for Unsatisfactory SAP Status
Students in an unsatisfactory SAP status may appeal their loss of financial aid eligibility. Appeals must
be made at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester in which a student wishes to receive financial
aid. Financial Aid Reinstatement Appeal forms are available on the College’s website or in the Office of
Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. Student statements on the form and attached documentation must
include: (1) the circumstances that rendered them unable to meet the standard(s), (2) what has changed
to allow the student to meet the standard(s) and (3) the student’s educational goal and plans to meet that
goal. The reinstatement appeal form and supporting documentation can be submitted in person, by mail,
by FAX, or via e-mail to the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Vice President of Student
Services or his/her designee will consider reinstatement appeals and the decision will be final. Students
will be notified through e-mail of appeal decisions.
Students who have their appeals granted will be placed on probation and will be eligible for financial
aid, provided they meet all SAP requirements and complete the SAP Academic Success Plan. The
SAP Academic Success Plan requires that students receiving financial aid successfully complete all
registered classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet with a counselor to complete an
Academic Recovery Plan. Withdrawing from or failing a class does not constitute successful completion.
The Academic Recovery Plan is designed to improve the student’s academic focus and promote student
success. Students who follow and complete all requirements within the SAP Academic Success Plan
will stay on probation in a continued probation status as long as they successfully complete all registered
classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Appeal Process for Maximum Time frame SAP Status
Students in a Maximum Time frame SAP status may appeal their loss of financial aid eligibility. Financial
Aid Reinstatement Appeal forms are available on the College website or in the Office of Financial Aid
and Veterans Affairs. Student statements on the form and attached documentation must include: (1) the
circumstances that rendered them unable to meet the Maximum time frame standard, (2) the student’s
educational goal and (3) enrollment plans to complete the desired program of study. The reinstatement
III-10 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
appeal form and supporting documentation can be submitted in person, by mail, by FAX, or via e-mail to
the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Vice President of Student Services or his/her designee
will consider reinstatement appeals and the decision will be final. Students will be notified through e-mail
of appeal decisions.
Students who have their appeals granted will be placed on a semester-by-semester probationary status
and will be eligible for financial aid in their next semester of enrollment. Students who do not complete their
program of study during the next semester of enrollment will be required to submit an updated reinstatement
appeal form and be reevaluated to insure they are making appropriate progress toward program completion,
have completed all registered classes and achieved a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher. Withdrawing from or
failing a class does not constitute successful completion and will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.
Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility
If a student loses financial aid eligibility by failing to meet the Academic Standard and/or Program
Completion Standard and after self-pay or the use of outside resources feels that the standards are met,
the student must contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs to have their SAP status re-calculated.
If the standards have been met, the student will regain financial aid eligibility for the semester
following the semester in which the standards were met provided all other financial aid requirements
have been completed.
Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal
law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant
funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100 percent, the six-year equivalent is 600 percent.
Students who use all of their annually awarded Pell Grant by being a full-time student (12 hours) in each
of two semesters would have used 100 percent. Students who used half of their annual awarded Pell
Grant by being a half-time student (6 hours) in each of two semesters would have used 50 percent. Pell
Grant usage is tracked by adding together the percentages of Pell Grant funding received each award
year. Students who reach the 600 percent level are no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funding.
Return of Title IV Funds
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amount of financial
aid funds that may be retained when you totally withdraw from all classes. If you are receiving Title IV
funds, i.e., Pell Grant or FSEOG, and officially withdraw from or stop attending all classes before the 60
percent point of the semester, SPCC will recalculate your eligibility for financial aid based on the percent
of the semester completed.
For example, if you withdraw after having completed only 30 percent of the semester,
you will have “earned” only 30 percent of any Title IV funds received. The remaining 70
percent must be returned. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will notify
you through your SPCC Gmail account of the repayment requirements and contact
information to determine amounts due.
Financial aid recipients still enrolled after the 60% point of the semester will have “earned” 100% of the
federal financial aid awarded.
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-11
VETERANS BENEFITS
Qualified veterans, wives, and children of deceased veterans may be admitted and approved to receive
educational benefits, providing they meet requirements established by the Veterans Administration. To
qualify, you must:
•• Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency
•• Be enrolled in a specific curriculum program
Certain other requirements may also apply. All previous college coursework must be received and
evaluated by the Registrar. All admission requirements must be met before the enrollment certification
can be sent to the Veterans Administration. Distance learning courses must be required courses within
the veteran’s major to qualify for educational benefits. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans
Affairs for a list of programs or classes that are eligible.
NOTE: Test-outs, independent studies, and audits are not eligible for VA benefits. Classes of 8-weeks,
12-weeks, or any other schedule deviation from 16-week classes may be subject to a pro-rating of monthly
benefits from the VA.
The College is approved for the training of veterans under Public Law 16 of the 78th Congress and under
Public Law 550 of the 82nd Congress, and Chapter 34, Title 38, United States Code. For more information,
contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at 704-272-5391 or via e-mail to finaid@spcc.edu.
Satisfactory Progress for Veterans
A veteran enrolled at South Piedmont Community College is required to make satisfactory academic
progress. The measure of academic progress for veterans is the same as for students receiving other
forms of financial aid.
III-12 Registration and Financial Information
Student Support Services (Section IV) IV-1
The mission of the Student Services Division is to provide systematic support services to help you reach
your educational and career goals. These services support the instructional programs and are in keeping
with and complement the philosophy of South Piedmont Community College.
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex,
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any
education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” -20 U.S.C. § 1681.
Please refer to the SPCC Student Handbook found at www.spcc.edu for further information pertaining
to Title IX. Title IX Coordinator is Susan Flake, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Payroll,
Organizational Development, sflake@spcc.edu, and Title IX Assistant Coordinator is Elaine Clodfelter,
Vice President of Student Services, eclodfelter@spcc.edu.
Counseling
The College provides counseling services to help you succeed in your educational program. Counselors
can also help you with more personal problems that might affect your progress. Requests for these
services can be made at the Student Services Office. NOTE: Personal counseling may be referred to
local mental health facilities based on the intensity of the student’s needs.
Services for Students with Disabilities
SPCC recognizes its responsibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities.
Support services are available to individuals with learning, hearing, visual, and other health impairments.
Brochures containing self-referral forms are available to all applicants and students. Note the following:
•• Applicants or students who feel that they need accommodations due to a disability should contact
the Disability Services Provider in the counseling office at South Piedmont Community College.
•• Applicants or students must provide official, supporting documentation describing the disability.
This documentation must be from an authorized professional(s). Federal regulations obligate the
applicant or student to provide information on identifying appropriate and effective auxiliary aids. This
documentation is held confidential for five (5) years after enrollment and will be destroyed after that
time. To renew accommodations after the five (5) year period, new documentation must be provided.
Documentation for learning disabilities should be no more than three (3) years old. Documentation
provided for any disability must indicate the applicant’s or student’s current level of functioning.
•• Students who have identified themselves as having a disability may request accommodations from
the Disability Services Provider. New students should make such requests at least 30 days prior to
the beginning of their first term of enrollment. Early communication of special needs provides the
time needed to arrange for services and/or the procurement of equipment that the student may need.
•• Each request will be evaluated by the Disability Services Provider, who will recommend reasonable
accommodations to faculty.
•• Students will be responsible for delivering accommodation information to each faculty member for
discussion of how accommodations will be provided in each class.
•• Students who do not feel that they are receiving agreed-upon accommodations should see the
Disability Services Provider for clarification.
•• Applicants or students who are not satisfied with the accommodations that they are receiving from
the College should see the Vice President of Student Services or the Dean of Student Development.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
IV-2 Student Support Services (Section IV)
Reasonable Accommodations: The following are considered reasonable accommodations to be made
for students with disabilities:
•• The process must be an interactive one involving “a reasonable reciprocal effort” on the part of both
parties.
•• The College may not make a unilateral decision regarding the existence of a disability or the
accommodation that is necessary.
•• What is “reasonable” involves a detailed ana

2015-2016
College Catalog
SOUTH PIEDMONT
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Serving Anson and Union Counties
2015 - 2016 Catalog
Old Charlotte Highway Campus
4209 Old Charlotte Highway
Monroe, NC 28110
PO Box 5041, Monroe, NC 28111
704-290-5100
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-290-5250
www.spcc.edu
South Piedmont Community College
is a member
of the North Carolina Community College System
The official 2015-2016 College Catalog may be found on the website at www.spcc.edu.
Volume 13 An Equal Opportunity College 2015-2016
L. L. Polk Campus
680 Highway 74 West, PO Box 126
Polkton, NC 28135
704-272-5300
1-800-766-0319
FAX 704-272-5350
I-2 General Information (Section I)
ACCREDITATION
South Piedmont Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. Contact the Commission
on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions
about the accreditation of South Piedmont Community College.
The Commission may be contacted for the following reasons: 1) to learn about the accreditation status of
South Piedmont Community College, 2) to file a third party comment at the time of the South Piedmont
Community College decennial review, 3) to file a complaint against South Piedmont Community College
for significant non-compliance with a standard or requirement.
Normal inquiries about South Piedmont Community College, such as admission requirements, financial
aid, educational programs, etc., should be addressed directly to South Piedmont Community College and
not to the Commission on Colleges.
STATE AUTHORIZATION
South Piedmont Community College ensures compliance with State Authorization requirements
prescribed by 34 CFR Part §600.9, regarding the offering of online/distance education programs, which
states:
If an institution is offering postsecondary education through distance or correspondence education
to students in a State in which it is not physically located or in which it is otherwise subject to State
jurisdiction as determined by the State, the institution must meet any State requirements for it to be
legally offering postsecondary distance or correspondence education in that State. An institution
must be able to document to the Secretary the State’s approval upon request. (Authority: 20 U.S.C.
1001 and 1002)
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
The Board of Trustees and the administration of South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) are
fully committed to the principles and practice of equal employment and educational opportunities.
Accordingly, SPCC does not practice or condone discrimination, in any form, against students,
employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability,
or political affiliation. SPCC commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of
those characteristics. Should an employee or student feel his/her rights under Title VI, VII, or IX have
been violated, he/she may submit a harassment complaint, including sexual harassment, to the Human
Resources Office by mail at PO Box 126, Polkton, NC 28135. Complaints may also be faxed to 704-272-
5336 or emailed to sflake@spcc.edu or eclodfelter@spcc.edu. Correspondents will be directed to the
Title IX Employee Coordinator, Susan Flake, Associate Vice President of Human Resources and Payroll
and/or Title IX Student Coordinator, Elaine Clodfelter, Vice President of Student Services.
THE CATALOG
This catalog is effective July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2016. This catalog is for information only and does
not constitute a contract between the student and the College. South Piedmont Community College has
made every reasonable effort to determine that everything stated in this catalog is accurate at the time
of printing. However, the NC General Assembly, the State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the
SPCC Board of Trustees may make changes in policy, graduation requirements, fees and other charges,
curriculum course structure and content, and other such matters after the publication of this catalog. The
NC General Assembly may make changes in tuition without notice.
General Information (Section I) I-3
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
WELCOME TO SOUTH PIEDMONT COMMUNITY COLLEGE!
The famous baseball coach Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind
up someplace else.” The decision to go to college says that you have made a decision on a destination
and recognize that the shortest path to success is by continuing your education. Why do people choose
to attend South Piedmont Community College? Let me give a few of the reasons: More than 90 programs
which include high-quality transfer programs and articulations designed to help you succeed at the
university level; relevant and current workforce programs taught with state of the art equipment by highly
qualified faculty; and Early College, High School Equivalency, and Adult High School programs that will
put you on the path to success, all supported by friendly faculty and staff.
So how do you get started? Make an appointment with a counselor to develop your pathway and create
a plan by assessing your interests and aptitudes. Meet with the financial aid office to develop a financial
plan that will lay the foundation to be successful. South Piedmont Community College is a comprehensive
community college, one of 58 in the North Carolina System. We are affordable. We are convenient with
online classes and locations in Monroe, Polkton, and Wadesboro. We care about our students and the
communities we serve.
I want to leave you with a final quote from Benjamin Franklin: “An investment in knowledge always pays
the best interest.” Feel free to call or e-mail me for assistance in achieving your goals at SPCC.
Stanley M. Sidor, Ed.D.
President
I-4 General Information (Section I)
General Information ...............................................................................................................................I-1
Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................................... I-15
Admissions ............................................................................................................................................II-1
Registration and Financial Information .................................................................................................III-1
Student Support Services .....................................................................................................................IV-1
Academic Information ............................................................................................................................V-1
Curriculum Programs of Study ..............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Arts Degree ...............................................................................................................VI-1
Associate in Science Degree ........................................................................................................ VI-4
Associate in Fine Arts Degree ...................................................................................................... VI-7
Associate in Fine Arts Degree Visual Art Pathway ............................................................... VI-9
Associate in General Education Degree .....................................................................................VI-11
Accounting Degree ......................................................................................................................VI-14
Accounting Certificate ..........................................................................................................VI-15
Advertising and Graphic Design Degree .....................................................................................VI-16
Advertising and Graphic Design Diploma ............................................................................VI-17
Advertising and Graphic Design Certificate .........................................................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Advertising Layout Certificate ........................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Creative Design Certificate ............................................VI-18
Advertising and Graphic Design - Web Design Certificate ..................................................VI-19
Advertising and Graphic Design - Multimedia Design Certificate.........................................VI-19
Agribusiness Technology............................................................................................................. VI-20
Air Conditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Technology Degree ................................................. VI-21
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology Diploma ..................................... VI-22
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Heating Fundamentals Cert ....... VI-23
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Heat Pump Fundamentals Cert .......VI-23
Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Technology - Refrigeration Certificate.......... VI-23
Associate Degree Nursing .......................................................................................................... VI-24
Automotive Systems Technology Degree ................................................................................... VI-25
Baking and Pastry Arts Degree .................................................................................................. VI-26
Basic Law Enforcement Training Certificate (BLET) .................................................................. VI-28
Biotechnology Degree ................................................................................................................ VI-28
Business Administration Degree ................................................................................................ VI-29
Business Administration Degree Entrepreneurship Pathway............................................... VI-30
Business Administration Diploma ........................................................................................ VI-32
Business Administration Certificate ..................................................................................... VI-32
Business Administration - Small Business Management Certificate .................................. VI-33
Business Administration - Entrepreneurship Certificate ..................................................... VI-33
Cardiovascular Sonography Degree........................................................................................... VI-33
Cardiovascular Sonography Diploma................................................................................... VI-34
Cardiovascular Sonography - Cardiac Certificate................................................................ VI-35
Cardiovascular Sonography - Vascular Certificate.............................................................. VI-35
Computer Information Technology Degree ................................................................................ VI-35
Computer Information Technology - Operating Systems Certificate .................................. VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Microsoft Office Certificate ........................................ VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Game Development Certificate ................................. VI-37
Computer Information Technology - Mobile Apps Foundation Certificate........................... VI-38
Computer Information Technology - Computer Support Certificate ................................... VI-38
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information (Section I) I-5
Computer Information Technology - Cyber Forensics Certificate........................................ VI-38
Computer Technology Integration - Mobile Apps Development Degree..................................... VI-39
Criminal Justice Technology Degree .......................................................................................... VI-40
Criminal Justice Technology Diploma ................................................................................. VI-41
Criminal Justice Technology Certificate .............................................................................. VI-42
Criminal Justice Technology - Forensics Certificate ........................................................... VI-42
Culinary Arts Degree................................................................................................................... VI-43
Cyber Crime Technology Degree................................................................................................ VI-44
Early Childhood Education Degree ............................................................................................ VI-46
Early Childhood Education Diploma .................................................................................... VI-47
Early Childhood Education - Preschool Certificate ............................................................. VI-48
Early Childhood Education - Administration Certificate ...................................................... VI-48
Early Childhood Education - Pre-K Special Education Certificate....................................... VI-48
Electrical Systems Technology Degree ......................................................................................VI-49
Electrical Systems Technology Degree Hydro-Mechanical Pathway.................................. VI-50
Electrical Systems Technology Diploma ............................................................................. VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology Certificate .......................................................................... VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology - Industrial and Photovoltaic Wiring Certificate ................. VI-52
Electrical Systems Technology Hydro-Mechanical Certificate ........................................... VI-53
Emergency Medical Science Degree - Paramedic Bridge.......................................................... VI-53
Fire Protection Technology Degree ............................................................................................ VI-54
Funeral Service Education........................................................................................................... VI-55
Funeral Service Education - NC Funeral Director Diploma................................................. VI-56
General Occupational Technology Degree ................................................................................ VI-57
Human Services Technology Degree ......................................................................................... VI-58
Human Services Technology Diploma ................................................................................ VI-59
Human Services Technology - Substance Abuse Certificate ............................................. VI-60
Human Services Technology - Developmental Disabilities Certificate................................ VI-60
Human Services Technology - Gerontology Certificate....................................................... VI-60
Industrial Systems Technology Degree....................................................................................... VI-61
Industrial Systems Technology Degree Machining Pathway...............................................VI-62
Industrial Systems Technology - Machining Certificate....................................................... VI-64
Industrial Systems Technology - Maintenance Certificate................................................... VI-64
Industrial Systems Technology - Welding Certificate........................................................... VI-64
Infant/Toddler Care Certificate ................................................................................................... VI-65
Licensed Practical Nurse Refresher Certificate ......................................................................... VI-65
Mechanical Engineering Technology Degree.............................................................................. VI-66
Mechanical Engineering Technology - Mechatronics Certificate......................................... VI-67
Mechatronics Engineering Technology Degree.......................................................................... VI-68
Medical Assisting Degree (Fall 2015) ......................................................................................... VI-70
Medical Assisting Diploma (Fall 2015).................................................................................VI-71.
Medical Assisting - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate (Fall 2015)..................VI-71
Medical Assisting Degree (Spring 2016) .................................................................................... VI-72
Medical Assisting Diploma (Spring 2016)............................................................................. VI-73.
Medical Assisting - Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certificate (Spring 2016)............ VI-73
Medical Office Administration Degree .........................................................................................VI-74
Medical Office Administration - Medical Insurance Coding Diploma .................................. VI-75
Medical Office Administration Certificate ............................................................................ VI-76
Medical Office Administration - Healthcare Technology Certificate ................................... VI-76
Medical Sonography Degree ...................................................................................................... VI-77
Musculoskeletal Sonography....................................................................................................... VI-78
Nurse Aide Certificate.................................................................................................................. VI-79
Paralegal Technology Degree .................................................................................................... VI-79
Paralegal Technology Diploma ............................................................................................ VI-81
I-6 General Information (Section I)
Paralegal Technology Certificate ........................................................................................ VI-81
Practical Nursing Diploma ..........................................................................................................VI-82
School-Age Education Degree ...................................................................................................VI-82
School-Age Education Diploma .......................................................................................... VI-84
School-Age Education Certificate ....................................................................................... VI-84
School-Age Education - Special Education Certificate ....................................................... VI-85
School-Age Education - School Age Specialist Certificate.................................................. VI-85
Simulation and Game Development Degree............................................................................... VI-85
Therapeutic Massage Degree .................................................................................................... VI-87
Therapeutic Massage Diploma............................................................................................. VI-88
Web Technologies Degree.......................................................................................................... VI-88
Welding Technology Diploma......................................................................................................VI-90
Course Descriptions .............................................................................................................................VII-1
Career and Continuing Education ...................................................................................................... VIII-1
Adult Literacy Programs/College and Career Transitions .....................................................................IX-1
Board of Trustees ..................................................................................................................................X-1
Administration, Faculty, Staff .................................................................................................................X-2
Index .....................................................................................................................................................XI-1
General Information (Section I) I-7
HISTORY OF THE COLLEGE
South Piedmont is North Carolina’s newest community college, having been created in 1999 by the North
Carolina General Assembly. The legislature’s action abolished Anson Community College and assigned
the new college’s service area as Anson and Union counties in south-central North Carolina.
South Piedmont is in the unique position of being a new institution with a proud history. The institution
traces its roots to 1962, with the founding of the Ansonville unit of the Charlotte Industrial Education
Center. In collaboration with Stanly Community College, it also provided years of service in Union County
as Union Technical Education Center.
The institution was originally designated as the Ansonville Industrial Education Center in November 1962
by action of the State Department of Public Instruction. On December 2, 1967, the Anson County Board
of Education and County Commissioners officially appointed a local Board of Trustees. As a result, the
Ansonville Industrial Education Center became Anson Technical Institute, a unit of the Department of
Community Colleges of North Carolina.
Further progress, larger enrollment, and additional support from the community, especially Polkton
Mayor W. Cliff Martin, enabled Anson Technical Institute to acquire land, obtain additional funds, and
complete construction of a 28,000-square-foot building in Polkton in 1977. To better reflect the offerings
of the institution, the Board of Trustees on June 7, 1979, changed the name to Anson Technical College.
In 1981, Union Technical Education Consortium was created when Central Piedmont Community College
voluntarily withdrew from Union County and the North Carolina Department of Community Colleges
authorized service in the county by a consortium of Anson and Stanly community colleges.
Effective November 1, 1987, the official name of Anson Technical College was changed to Anson
Community College.
On May 19, 1999, Gov. Jim Hunt signed a bill, based upon recommendations of an independent study
team, that abolished Anson Community College and Union Technical Education Center and created
North Carolina’s newest community college. The signing of this bill created a single college with two
campuses, one in Anson County and one in Union County, to serve the residents of both counties, and
a new 14-member board of trustees was appointed.
The new college was named South Piedmont Community College on August 3, 1999, using one of the
441 different names suggested during a contest held during July.
South Piedmont expanded its operations, adding new buildings at the L. L. Polk Campus in Polkton,
adding a new campus at Old Charlotte Highway, Monroe, and opening the Lockhart-Taylor Center in
Wadesboro. The Center for Technology and Health Education was opened at the Old Charlotte Highway
Campus in 2013.
New programs continue to be added to the College’s offerings, and enrollment has continued to grow.
In fall 2014, credit programs served 2,647 students, continuing education (non-credit) programs served
3,929, and adult literacy programs enrolled 1,485.
I-8 General Information (Section I)
STRATEGIC PLAN
2013-2016
As a learning college, South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) promotes and celebrates learning as
the process that changes and improves lives. This applies to our students, employees, and the college
itself. We are an organization in which people continually expand their ability to grow and learn.
The Strategic Plan highlights this focus on learning through our Vision (what we want to be), Mission
(who we are), Values (what directs our decisions), and Strategic Directions (what actions we will take to
fulfill the Vision and Mission).
Our Vision is:
To be the premier community college of choice, offering a full complement of general education,
transfer pre-majors, career and technical education, and workforce and economic development
programming to prepare students to be productive citizens in the global community.
Our Mission is:
Learning, student success, and workforce and community development
We Value a Personal and Institutional Commitment to:
• Affordable, quality access to excellent educational opportunities
• Academic achievement and student success
• Public and private partnerships
• Lifelong learning
• Data-driven decision making
• Respect for individuals
• Transparency through accurate and reliable communication
• Integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct
• Highest levels of financial stewardship
• Responsiveness, adaptability, and flexibility
• Innovation
• Continuous improvement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Diversity and inclusiveness
• Sustainability
• Extraordinary customer service
• Community outreach
Strategic Direction One
Expand Student Program Opportunities
Strategic Goal 1: SPCC will create and maintain innovative educational programming of the
highest quality that supports the educational and career goals of students.
Key Strategies:
1-A Expand and improve the collaborative educational pipeline from Anson and Union public and private
schools to increase the number of students earning transferable college credits, degrees, and/or
industry-specific certifications.
1-B Align the college curriculum with the K-12 curriculum.
1-C Develop additional transfer pre-major opportunities, reflective of the needs and wants of students.
1-D Develop additional joint educational programs, partnership programs, and articulation agreements
General Information (Section I) I-9
with accredited institutions and public private entities to increase the number of course and degree
options available to students.
1-E Increase opportunities for co-op education, internships, and job placement.
1-F Develop new programs and courses that align with the changing needs of business and industry,
including programs and services focused on agriculture.
1-G Create new programs and services which support developmental education needs of students and
reduce the time spent in developmental education.
1-H Develop new educational programs and services that meet the needs of an aging community.
Strategic Direction Two
Create a Culture of Innovative Learning
Strategic Goal 2: SPCC will develop a learner-centered culture that provides employees the
resources to deliver quality instruction and support services that foster contextualized learn-ing
and allow for the measurement of academic success of learners.
Key Strategies:
2-A Integrate appropriate general education competencies into gateway courses.
2-B Develop and implement an educational master plan.
2-C Expand student learning outcomes assessment to all programs and courses delivered by SPCC.
2-D Increase distance learning opportunities and services.
2-E Implement strategies that reduce student costs for educational materials.
2-F Create a faculty-driven instructional innovation and research center to identify and implement
emerging educational trends and best practices.
2-G Increase professional development opportunities for all employees.
2-H Increase faculty innovation and educational programming through aggressive grant development.
Strategic Direction Three
Increase Enrollment and Retention
Strategic Goal 3: SPCC will increase the enrollment, retention, persistence, and graduation rates
through strengthening academic and student support services.
Key Strategies:
3-A Implement recruitment and admission practices to increase the enrollment of all student populations.
3-B Provide intrusive and holistic interventions and engagement strategies to reach all student
populations.
3-C Create and offer expanded test preparation and study skills workshops.
3-D Implement the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) to improve academic advising.
3-E Implement a First Year Experience (FYE) program.
3-F Strengthen tutoring and Supplemental Instruction (SI).
3-G Create and offer targeted test modules in mathematics, reading, English/writing.
3-H Increase library resources and targeted supplemental programming to support new and enhanced
programs.
Strategic Direction Four
Improve the Marketing Presence of the Institution
Strategic Goal 4: SPCC will ensure that it is recognized as the premier community college of
choice in its service area.
Key Strategies:
4-A Gather and utilize community input through focus groups, advisory boards, and community
I-10 General Information (Section I)
connections and involvement.
4-B Develop a marketing plan to highlight the quality, value, and innovation that SPCC brings to students,
business and industry, and the community.
4-C Develop a relevant, meaningful, and consistent social media presence.
4-D Create multiple aligned avenues to sustain dialogue with business, industry, education, and
community partners.
4-E Develop a diverse and meaningful community events series and publish a calendar to inform and
encourage residents to participate in college-sponsored events.
4-F Increase student activities to meet the interests and needs of students and encourage community
participation.
4-G Inform the community of the progress of the college and opportunities to assist through the SPCC
Foundation.
Strategic Direction Five
Improve the Quality of Operations and Services
Strategic Goal 5: SPCC will improve the quality of its operations and services.
Key Strategies:
5-A Create a strategic planning process that tracks and measures progress toward completion of key
strategies.
5-B Ensure the effectiveness of the institution through ongoing accreditation activities, quality
improvement efforts, and data-driven-decision making.
5-C Implement change to practices and programs based on evaluation of evidence provided to the
Senior Leadership Team by the Planning Council.
5-D Reduce institutional costs through research and implementation of appropriate education and
industry-driven best practices.
5-E Develop a “Quality Scorecard” to report on college progress to key constituent groups.
5-F Provide consistent and accurate documentation, evaluation, and reporting of institutional data to
all stakeholders in a timely manner.
Strategic Direction Six
Create a Collaborative College Community
Strategic Goal 6: SPCC will cultivate and support a collaborative environment of civility and
inclusion that respects individual differences and opinions.
Key Strategies:
6-A Create and support methods for college constituency groups to participate in the governance of
the college.
6-B Improve the method for measuring the internal climate of the college and demonstrate the use of
results for quality improvement.
6-C Develop and implement a plan to involve all employees, trustees, and foundation directors in sharing
the SPCC story with the public.
General Information (Section I) I-11
CORE SKILLS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES
South Piedmont Community College advocates Thinking, Learning, and Interacting as critical
competencies for student achievement and lifelong learning in today’s global economy. These critical
competencies will be supported by six (6) core skills with identified measurable learning outcomes and
integrated into the Learning College’s instruction and activities.
To ensure the attainment of these core skills, South Piedmont Community College has established the
following Core Skills Learning Outcomes:
Written Communication
• The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through written communication in a manner
appropriate for the intended audience.
Oral Communication
• The learner will organize and express ideas clearly through oral communication in a manner
appropriate for the intended audience.
Intercultural Competence
• The learner will develop awareness, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for intercultural
competence.
Technology
• The learner will choose and utilize appropriate technologies to access, organize, analyze, and
communicate information.
Analysis and Interpretation
• The learner will apply the basic principles of interpretation and analysis to synthesize information.
Problem Solving
• The learner will apply the basic principles of mathematics and/or scientific inquiry to identify,
interpret, evaluate, and solve problems.
OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT
At SPCC, all students participate in the outcomes assessment process. This process helps answer the
fundamental learning college question: Are you, as a student, learning? How do we, as an institution, and
you, as a student, know? All curriculum programs at SPCC, from the Associate in Arts to Medical Assisting,
have program outcomes, course learning outcomes, and core skill outcomes which are assessed.
Program Outcomes answer the question, “What should graduates of this program be able to do?” Program
Outcome statements focus on the big picture. All programs have outcomes that are unique to that program.
Contact your program advisor to see what will be learned in your program of choice.
Course Learning Outcomes are statements that describe what learning is expected in a course. These
outcomes are found in course syllabi and state the knowledge, skills, or abilities students will gain upon
successful course completion. SPCC’s six (6) Core Skill Outcomes are assessed in every degree program,
usually within general education courses.
Results of all assessments are analyzed by instructors to determine what students know and how learning
can be improved. The College reserves the right to share samples of student work with regulatory and
accrediting bodies.
Decisions about continuous improvement in learning are made in a systematic way using the data from
the assessments submitted in TaskStream, the College’s online assessment management system.
I-12 General Information (Section I)
SPCC ePORTFOLIO
Beginning in the academic year 2014-2015, each student in a transfer degree program at South Piedmont
Community College with a projected graduation date of May 2016 or later will create an ePortfolio as
a graduation requirement. The SPCC ePortfolio is a web-based collection of a student’s academic
experiences and best college work, along with reflections that provide personal and academic contexts
for the work. While students make most design and content choices for the ePortfolio, each student must
include these minimum components:
• A welcome page
• A personal introduction
• Short-term and long-term learning goals
• A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of SPCC’s General Education
Core Skills
• A collection of “Showcase Artifacts” and reflections to highlight mastery of a student’s major or
program outcomes (not required by all programs)
• A page that highlights a student’s additional educational experiences
• A resume
The ePortfolio reflects SPCC’s commitment to promote and celebrate learning as the process that changes
and improves lives. For students, the ePortfolio provides both a unique learning opportunity based on
reflection and self-criticism and an opportunity to showcase personal and academic achievement to
faculty, family, friends, transfer institutions, scholarship committees and potential employers.
General Information (Section I) I-13
HOURS OF OPERATION
South Piedmont Community College offers classes, workshops, and seminars six days a week at various
times and locations. The College’s normal business hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until
5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hours may be extended during registration periods. Summer
hours of operation may differ at all locations.
To obtain information regarding the College and its programs and services to the community, check our
website, www.spcc.edu, or call:
South Piedmont Community College observes the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas
HIGHWAY 52
HIGHWAY 52
ROCKY RIVER RD.
STALLINGS RD.
HIGHWAY 200
HIGHWAY 75
US HIGHWAY 74 MONROE
POLKTON
WADESBORO
OLD CHARLOTTE HWY.
Old Charlotte
Highway Campus L.L. Polk
Campus
Lockhart-
Taylor
Center
L. L. Polk Campus, Polkton
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-272-5350
Old Charlotte Hwy. Campus, Monroe
704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Center for Technology and Health Education
704-290-5100
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-290-5250
Lockhart-Taylor Center, Wadesboro
704-272-5300
800-766-0319
FAX: 704-993-2435
Union County Anson County
I-14 General Information (Section I)
PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND STANDARDS
In February 1999, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges adopted 12 performance
measures for accountability. Amended in 2007, the performance measures for accountability were
modified to eight (8) measures. Effective 2013 the Performance Measures for Student Success Report
utilizes new measures, goals, and baselines adopted and approved June 2012. The baselines and goals
will remain static for three years and will be reset in 2016.
All community colleges are required to publish their performance on the measures annually in their
electronic catalog or on the Internet and in their printed catalog. The Performance Measures and the
results for the 2013-2014 fiscal year are as follows:
Data Source: 2015 Performance Measures for Student Success
Performance Measure System
Goal / Baseline
SPCC’s
Performance
Basic Skills Student Progress 51.2% / 20.6% 47.6%
High School Equivalency Diploma Passing
Rate 82.0% / 49.3% 72.3%
Developmental Student Success Rate in
College-Level English courses 74.9% / 45.2% 55.7%
Developmental Student Success Rate in
College-Level Math Courses 75.4% / 47.5% 66.3%
First Year Progression 74.6% / 53.2% 60.1%
Curriculum Student Completion Rate 45.6% / 28.6% 43.4%
Licensure and Certification Passing Rate 91.7% / 71.0% 78.0%
College Transfer Performance 93.8% / 71.2% 92.4%
The North Carolina Community College System website, www.nccommunitycolleges.edu, contains details
about the Performance Measures and Standards.
Visit www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/Publications/index.html. Click on 2015 Performance Measures for
Student Success Report.
General Information (Section I) I-15
ACADEMIC CALENDAR 2015 - 2016
SCHEDULE CHANGES WILL BE PERMITTED PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE (10 PERCENT POINT);
DROP CLASS WITH REFUND WILL BE PERMITTED ON OR PRIOR TO CLASS CENSUS DATE
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (16 Weeks)
August 17...........................First Day of Classes
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 14..........................Classes Resume
October 23.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
November 4........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
November 23 - 28...............Thanksgiving Holidays (College Closed)
November 30......................Classes Resume
December 15......................Fall Semester Ends
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (12 Weeks)
September 15.....................First Day of 12-Week Session
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
November 4........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
November 12......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 15......................End of 12-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (8-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 18.....................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
September 24.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
October 12..........................End of 1st 8-Week Session
October 14..........................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
November 16......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 20......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 15......................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (5-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
September 4.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 10.....................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
I-16 General Information (Section I)
September 21.....................End of 1st 5-Week Session
September 22.....................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
October 12..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 16..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
October 27.........................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
November 2........................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
November 20......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 2........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
December 11......................End of 3rd 5-Week Session
FALL SEMESTER 2015 (4-Week Sessions)
August 17...........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
September 1.......................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
September 3.......................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
September 7.......................Labor Day Holiday (College Closed)
September 14.....................End of 1st 4-Week Session
September 15.....................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
September 30.....................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 2...........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
October 12..........................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
October 13..........................Student Break (No Classes)
October 14..........................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
October 29.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 2........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
November 10......................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
November 11......................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
November 23 - 28...............Fall Break (No Classes)
December 3........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
December 7........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
December 15......................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (16 Weeks)
January 11..........................First Day of Classes
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
March 17.............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (16-Week Session)
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 2.................................Classes Resume
April 6.................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (16-Week Session)
May 10................................Spring Semester Ends
May 11................................Graduation
General Information (Section I) I-17
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (12 Weeks)
February 9..........................First Day of 12-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 6.................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (12-Week Session)
April 14...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (12-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 12-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (8-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 8-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 12........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 8-Week Session)
February 18........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 8-Week Session)
March 7..............................End of 1st 8-Week Session
March 8..............................First Day of 2nd 8-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 18...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 8-Week Session)
April 22...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 8-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 2nd 8-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (5-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 5-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
February 1..........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 5-Week Session)
February 4..........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 5-Week Session)
February 15........................End of 1st 5-Week Session
February 16........................First Day of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 7..............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 10............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 5-Week Session)
March 21............................End of 2nd 5-Week Session
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 4.................................First Day of 3rd 5-Week Session
April 22...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 5-Week Session)
April 27...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 5-Week Session)
May 6..................................End of 3rd 5-Week Session
SPRING SEMESTER 2016 (4-Week Sessions)
January 11..........................First Day of 1st 4-Week Session
January 18..........................Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday (College Closed)
January 27.........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
I-18 General Information (Section I)
January 29.........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
February 8..........................End of 1st 4-Week Session
February 9..........................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
February 24........................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
February 26........................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
March 7..............................End of 2nd 4-Week Session
March 8..............................First Day of 3rd 4-Week Session
March 23............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (3rd 4-Week Session)
March 25 - 27.....................Easter Holiday (College Closed)
March 28 - April 1...............Spring Break (No Classes)
April 4.................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (3rd 4-Week Session)
April 12...............................End of 3rd 4-Week Session
April 13...............................First Day of 4th 4-Week Session
April 28...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (4th 4-Week Session)
May 2..................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (4th 4-Week Session)
May 10................................End of 4th 4-Week Session
SUMMER TERM 2016 (8 WEEKS)
May 31................................First Day of Classes
July 4..................................Independence Day Holiday (College Closed)
July 5..................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (8-Week Session)
July 11................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (8-Week Session)
July 26................................End of Summer Term
SUMMER TERM 2016 (4-WEEK SESSIONS)
May 31................................First Day of Classes
June 15...............................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (1st 4-Week Session)
June 20...............................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (1st 4-Week Session)
June 27...............................End of 1st 4-Week Session
June 28...............................First Day of 2nd 4-Week Session
July 4..................................Independence Day Holiday (College Closed)
July 14................................Financial Aid Withdrawal Penalty Period Ends (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 19................................Last Day for Student Initiated Withdrawal (2nd 4-Week Session)
July 26................................End of Summer Term
Admissions (Section II) II-1
Admissions Policy
South Piedmont Community College subscribes to the “open door” policy established by the North Carolina
Community College System. The College will admit all applicants who:
• Are 18 years old or older and/or
• Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency.
Please note that admission to the College does not guarantee admission to specific academic programs of
study at the College. Students must meet additional requirements for the programs. These requirements
can be found in the Admissions Procedures.
The College serves all students regardless of race, color, sex, creed, national origin, age, or disability.
SPCC reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant during any period of time that the student is
suspended or expelled from another educational entity.
SPCC also reserves the right to deny admission to any applicant or student to programs physically offered
on high school locations that require compliance with the Jessica Lunsford Act.
Admissions Procedures and Information
New students are urged to complete the admissions process at least two (2) weeks prior to
registration and apply for financial aid at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration. If you are
applying to an SPCC health program, refer to www.spcc.edu for the admissions requirements for that
specific health program.
Students interested in pursuing a program of study/major MUST complete all admissions requirements
prior to first-time enrollment. Once all admissions requirements listed below are complete, you will be
placed into your program of study and may receive financial aid if eligible. Anyone wishing to register
for classes prior to completing his/her admissions file may do so as a Special Credit student. Special
Credit students are not eligible for financial aid. To ensure your financial aid is in place, make sure
your admissions file is complete at least two (2) weeks prior to registration.
Complete the SPCC Application for Admission
• You may complete an application for admission online at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student
Resources>Admissions. If you already have an account with CFNC, use your login information to fill
out SPCC’s application. If you do not have an account with CFNC, you may create one prior to filling
out the application. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may use our library to complete
this part of the process.
Submit official high school, high school equivalency, or Adult High School transcript
• It is your responsibility to request this transcript from the appropriate educational institution. It is also
your responsibility to pay any applicable fees to the appropriate institution.
• Official transcripts should be mailed directly from the high school, high school equivalency office,
or adult high school to SPCC. Unofficial (student issued, faxed, or e-mailed) transcripts will not be
accepted.
• If you graduated from the high school equivalency program at South Piedmont Community College,
you may request a copy of your scores from SPCC’s Basic Skills Department in lieu of an official
transcript.
• If you plan to submit a high school transcript from non-public institutions or online high school
programs, you must contact South Piedmont Community College’s Admissions Office to determine
if the transcript is acceptable for admission into your program of study.
ADMISSIONS
II-2 Admissions (Section II)
Submit official transcripts from all colleges listed on your admissions application
• A Request for Transcript Evaluation Form must be completed and sent to the Registrar for evaluation
of prior course credit.
• Transcripts may be sent from the college electronically through a secure provider such as E-scrip,
National Student Clearinghouse, ScripSafe, etc. Contact your college for details.
• All foreign transcripts (secondary and post-secondary) must be evaluated by an authorized evaluation
agency at your expense.
• A college transcript waiver may be available for extenuating circumstances.
• After official transcripts have been received, submit a completed Transcript Evaluation Request form
to the Registrar for evaluation of prior course credit.
Prepare for and take the College Placement Test (CPT)
• Testing times and dates vary depending on the type of test and campus location. Testing dates and
times can be found at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center. We strongly
recommend preparing for the test using the study guide found on our website at www.spcc.edu. The
purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as an SPCC student. It helps
you, as a new student, determine your skills in reading, English, mathematics, and computers. Skills
identified through the test, along with advisor guidance, will help place you in the most appropriate
course for your success. CPT scores are valid for five (5) years.
Complete the New Student Orientation
• New Student Orientation can be completed at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Orientation.
This is a short interactive class designed to introduce students to the resources available at SPCC.
At the end, under the Graduation section, you will be asked to answer a few questions and prompted
to provide your information to tract completion. You must answer all questions correctly; make sure
you are paying attention as you work through the course.
Reapplication to the College
If you have withdrawn in good standing and/or have not enrolled for two consecutive semesters (spring
and fall), you must reapply for admission to the College. Copies of academic transcripts and placement
tests may be required. If you have been suspended for academic or disciplinary reasons, you must consult
with the Vice President of Student Services.
Admission of High School Students
Career and College Promise
Session Law 2011-145, the Appropriations Act of 2011, authorized the State Board of Education and the
State Board of Community Colleges to establish the Career and College Promise program, effective
January 1, 2012.
Career and College Promise (CCP) provides seamless dual enrollment educational opportunities for
eligible North Carolina high school students in order to accelerate completion of college certificates,
diplomas, and associate degrees that lead to college transfer or provide entry-level job skills. North
Carolina community colleges may offer the following Career and College Promise pathways aligned with
the K-12 curriculum and career and college ready standards adopted by the State Board of Education:
• A College Transfer Pathway leading to a minimum of 30 hours of college transfer credit;
• A Career and Technical Education Pathway leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree;
• A Cooperative Innovative High School Pathway approved under Part 9 of Article 16 of Chapter 115D
of the General Statutes.
Admissions (Section II) II-3
Links to the following web pages with information on Career and College Promise are listed below. Each
web page targets a specific audience.
• North Carolina Community College System Office’s CCP web page:
www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/programs/ccp/
• North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s CCP web page:
www.ncpublicschools.org/ccpromise/
Early College High School
South Piedmont Community College in collaboration with the Anson County School System and the Union
County School System offers Early College High School programs for students living in each county.
Early College High Schools are classified as cooperative innovative high schools under the Career and
College Promise program. Students apply for admission to Anson County Early College (ACEC) or Union
County Early College (UCEC) in the eighth grade. Students enter the Early College program as freshmen
and earn a high school diploma and a two-year Associate Degree in Arts or Associate Degree in Science
within five (5) years. SPCC tuition is paid for ACEC and UCEC students. Upon graduation, students then
apply to transfer to the college or university of their choice.
Admission for Allied Health and Nursing Programs
If you are seeking admission into an SPCC health program, you will be required to meet all health program
admissions criteria and be officially accepted into the health program prior to taking program-specific health
classes. Each program has different admissions criteria. Refer to the specific Allied Health or Nursing
Admissions Requirements booklet for the health program in which you seek admission. These booklets may
be found in the offices of Enrollment Services in the Student Services Division of SPCC or on the website
at www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Admission to Health Programs
Admission of International Students (Documented)
South Piedmont Community College considers admissions to documented foreign nationals. The following
must be completed and submitted to the Admissions Office prior to enrollment:
•• SPCC Application for Admission
•• System Data Gathering Form
•• Residency Application Form
•• Permanent Resident Alien Card (or other acceptable documentation)
SPCC is not able to issue I-20s to international students.
In order to be considered for in-state tuition rates, any Documented Foreign National applicant must provide
convincing documentation that he/she intends to make North Carolina his/her domicile (see Residency
Classification for Tuition Purposes in the Registration and Financial Information section of this catalog).
Although a student may possess valid documentation to be lawfully present in the United States, that
documentation does not guarantee the student has capacity to establish a domicile in the United States.
South Piedmont Community College does not have housing facilities, living accommodations, or associated
support programs for individuals from other countries. You are responsible for your own transportation.
Admission of International Students (Undocumented)
The North Carolina Community College System advised in Memorandum CC10-026 (effective June 10,
2010) that community colleges should admit or enroll undocumented immigrants only as follows:
•• Undocumented immigrants who are high school students may enroll in college-level courses
consistent with the Career and College Promise policy. Participation in this program is not based on
II-4 Admissions (Section II)
legal residence, but on attendance in a North Carolina high school. These courses are open to all
high school students attending high school (public, private, or home school) located in the state who
meet the eligibility criteria.
•• Undocumented immigrants may enroll in non-college level courses or programs including high school
equivalency preparation courses, Adult Basic Education, Adult High School, English as a Second
Language and other continuing education courses less than college level.
•• Undocumented or battered illegal immigrants who have been determined to meet one of the qualifying
conditions in Federal Law, 8 USC Section 1641 are eligible for college-level courses. It is the applicant’s
responsibility to produce sufficient written documentation to satisfy the College that the applicant is
eligible for post-secondary education benefits.
•• Undocumented immigrants must have attended and graduated from a United States public high
school, private high school, or home school that operates in compliance with state and local law.
Undocumented immigrants with a high school equivalency diploma are not considered to be “graduated
from a United States public high school, private high school, or home school” and therefore are not
eligible to be admitted.
•• Undocumented immigrants who are registered into a class are required to pay the out-of-state tuition
rate. The College shall not enroll undocumented students into a class or program of study for which
there are waiting lists, nor register undocumented students for classes until the conclusion of the last
published (i.e., late) registration period.
College Placement Testing
The purpose of the College Placement Test (CPT) is to enhance your success as a student at South
Piedmont Community College. It helps you, as a new student, determine your skills in English, reading,
mathematics and computer skills. Skills identified through the CPT, along with counselor or advisor
guidance, will help with placement in the most appropriate courses for your success. CPT scores are
valid for five (5) years.
All associate degree, diploma, certificate, special credit, high school, and health program applicants
must complete the CPT (Reading, English, Mathematics and Computer Skills) prior to registration. All
degree and diploma students must meet all CPT requirements prior to completing their program of study.
Students transitioning from a certificate program into a diploma or degree program must meet the DMA
040 or MAT 070 requirement for graduation even if there is no math course in the program.
Admissions (Section II) II-5
SPCC CPT Score Report/Academic Assessment
Placement Minimum Required Score
English/Reading Cut Score:
Counselor Referral Below 104
DRE 096 104
DRE 097 117
DRE 098 136
ENG 111 151
Computer Skills:
CIS 110 80
Mathematics:
Counselor Referral 1 - DMA 010; 6 or below - all other DMA sections
DMA 010 7
DMA 020 7
DMA 030 7
DMA 040 7
DMA 050 7
DMA 060 7
DMA 070 and DMA 080 Based on DMA 060 score
You must show proof of ID (State, Federal, or College ID) before admission to the Testing Center. Minors
without proper ID must contact the Testing Center prior to testing. The Testing Center staff will offer “pre-test”
advisement to you regarding the serious nature of the test. Test resources and study materials are
available on the SPCC website www.spcc.edu. Click on Student Resources>Testing Center>CPT Test
Prep Resources.
Once you have completed the College Placement Test, the Testing Center staff will refer you to a counselor or
to an advisor in the Advising Center for further assistance. Contact one of the following for Testing/Assessment
information:
L. L. Polk Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-272-5338
Old Charlotte Highway Campus: Admissions/Testing Specialist 704-290-5841
Assistant Director, Admissions/Testing 704-290-5847
CPT Exemptions
All new students applying to a curriculum program are required to take the CPT unless they qualify for a
CPT Waiver through one of the following options:
Multiple Measures Waiver for North Carolina High School Graduates
As evidenced by an official high school transcript, a student must have:
• Graduated within five (5) years of starting classes at SPCC
• Achieved an un-weighted GPA of 2.6 or higher
• Completed a fourth level math course
(Advanced Functions and Modeling, Analytical, Geometry, AP Statistics, Calculus, Discrete
Mathematics, Integrated Mathematics IV, Mindset, Pre-Calculus, Probability and Statistics,
Trigonometry, or International Baccalaureate Mathematics)
II-6 Admissions (Section II)
Standardized Test Scores
As evidenced by official SAT or ACT test score reports that were taken within five years of starting classes
at SPCC, a student must meet following scores:
SAT Minimum Score CPT Section Waived
Critical Reading 500 Reading/English
Writing 500 Reading/English
Mathematics 500 Math
ACT Minimum Score CPT Section Waived
Reading 22 Reading/English
English 18 Reading/English
Mathematics 22 Math
College-Level Transfer Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed a college-level
English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade of “C” or higher. All transfer
credit must be officially transferred in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded.
SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college
transcript.
Transferable Developmental Course Credit
As evidenced by an evaluated official college transcript, student must have completed all program required
developmental level courses in English and/or math from a regionally accredited institution with a grade
of “C” or higher within five (5) years of enrolling at SPCC. All transfer credits must be officially transferred
in by the Registrar’s Office before any CPT waiver will be awarded. SPCC Transcript Evaluation forms
must be submitted to allow the Registrar to evaluate the official college transcript.
Advanced Placement (AP) and College Level Exam Program (CLEP) Waivers
Exception will be allowed as evidenced by official score reports for required English and/or math sent to
SPCC directly from Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Exam Program (CLEP) agencies. Scores
vary by test and subject area. Visit AP or CLEP websites for full details.
Bachelor’s Degree Waiver
As evidenced by an official college transcript, applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or
higher will be exempt from taking the placement test. Students wishing to pursue a Transfer Credit Appeal
are required to complete the CPT as the first step in the appeal process.
Program Waiver
If a student is participating in a program that does not require testing for entry, the College Placement
Test may be waived while the student participates in that program. If the student leaves the program,
the student will be required to take the college Placement Test prior to admission into another program.
Students must present all appropriate documentation when requesting a waiver. Students who qualify
for a waiver in either English or math, but not both, will need to complete the CPT section not exempted.
Transcripts are considered to be “official” when issued in a sealed, unopened envelope by the granting
institution. If you have questions about whether the transcript you have on hand may be considered as
an official copy, contact the Admissions Office.
Placement Testing for Distance Learning Students
Students outside the College’s service area should contact the Assistant Director of Admissions and
Testing for information on College Placement Testing at 704-290-5847.
Admissions (Section II) II-7
CPT Retest Procedures
You may be granted ACCUPLACER retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
• You took original test section within five (5 ) years AND
• You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
• Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
• Demonstrate 50 percent progress on at least three (3) needed Missions on Khan Academy.
• Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
• Pay required retest fee
• A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section (DMA or DRE) as long as the scores are
valid (five years).
• A student may retest free of charge if appropriate test section was taken over five (5) years ago
or a special circumstance exists.
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and
a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing
coordinators and/or the Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest if validity
of a request is questioned.
TABE Retest Guidelines
You may be granted TABE retest permission by the Testing Center if the following applies:
• You took original test section within one (1) year AND
• You have completed one of the following remediation actions:
• Minimum of eight (8) hours tutoring documented by the Academic Support Center
• Demonstrate 50 percent progress in at least three (3) needed Missions on Khan Academy.
• Completion of at least one third of workbook for subject
• Pay required retest fee
• A student is permitted one (1) retest per test section every six (6) months
• A student may retest free of charge if the test section was taken over one (1) year prior
Students retesting must provide Retest Authorization form, documentation of remediation, receipt, and
a photo ID at the time of the retest, at which time the Testing Center staff will ensure eligibility. Testing
coordinators and/or the Assistant Director, Admissions and Testing, reserve the right to disallow a retest
if validity of a request is questioned.
Acceptance of Credit
SPCC evaluates, awards, and accepts credit for transfer, credit by exam, credit by nationally recognized
industry credential, and advanced placement. The College ensures that all associated coursework
and learning outcomes are at the collegiate level and comparable to those for SPCC degree programs.
All requests for transfer credit should be made before enrolling but after application and transcripts
received at South Piedmont Community College. In order to obtain transfer credit evaluations, a student
must complete a Request for Transcript Evaluation form and supply the College with appropriate
transcripts as well as course descriptions or catalogs, if the College requests them.
Students who have completed coursework at other colleges and universities should submit official
transcripts of all post-secondary work. Transfer credit may be awarded for appropriate military courses
based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendation. If a student submits transcripts
from foreign universities, it is his or her responsibility to provide accurate translations from an approved
evaluation agency (e.g., WES) of the (a) transcript, (b) course descriptions, and (c) grading system.
Credit will be evaluated in the context of the current SPCC college catalog and awarded according to
the following criteria:
II-8 Admissions (Section II)
• Prior coursework must correspond in instructional hours and content and must be substantially
similar to SPCC courses required in the degree, diploma, or certificate being sought. Quarter-hour
courses must equate to the semester-hour equivalent of the current required course, either by a
combination of courses or as standalone by using the 3:2 ratio (2/3). Coursework must have been
completed at a regionally accredited college recognized by the Commission on Colleges or other
nationally known accrediting body.
• Coursework must have been completed with a “C” or better.
• Transfer students must meet Residency Requirements for Graduation.
The decision as to how much, if any, transfer credit will be awarded and how such transfer credit will be
applied is discretionary on the part of the College.
Noncredit to Credit Policy
South Piedmont Community College awards curriculum credits for non-credit work. This includes nationally
recognized industry credentials, credit by examination, approved Continuing Education courses, or through
provisions identified in numbered memos and/or guidance from the North Carolina Community College
System, and/or when a state-approved bridging program is in place.
Students interested in receiving curriculum credits for non-credit work (continuing education courses,
state or national licenses) may obtain information from the Registrar’s Office at the time of admission.
Comprehensive Articulation Agreement
The 2014 Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA), approved February 2014, between the State
Board of the North Carolina Community College System and the Board of Governors of the University of
North Carolina establishes the procedures for governing the transfer of credits for students who transfer
from a North Carolina Community College to a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina.
The CAA does not address admission to a specific institution or to a specific major within an institution.
To be eligible for the transfer of credits under the CAA, the student must graduate from the community
college with an Associate in Arts (AA) or an Associate in Science (AS) degree and have an overall
Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale and a grade of “C” or better in all CAA courses.
Students who do not complete the degree are eligible to transfer credits on a course-by-course bases.
Additionally the Independent Comprehensive Articulation Agreement allows for transfer of Associate in
Arts and Associate in Science degree program credits to some private institutions. For more information
regarding the transfer status of specific courses and curricula, visit the Future Students section on the
SPCC Website or contact the senior institution.
Advanced Placement (AP) Course Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects taken in high school if they have a designation
of Advanced Placement and appropriate score on an Advanced Placement exam at the end of the
course. Credit must be applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements. Advanced credit must
be supported by official test score reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are
awarded. Official documentation verifying test scores is required. All approved and recorded Advanced
Placement credit will be assigned a grade of “AP”.
Admissions (Section II) II-9
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit
Applicants to SPCC may request transfer credit for subjects covered under placement examinations. The
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject area exams may be evaluated for SPCC college
credit. Test scores must meet ACE (American Council on Education) recommendations. Credit must be
applicable to your current degree or diploma requirements and must be supported by official test score
reports to be considered for transfer credit. Only hours earned are awarded. Official documentation
verifying test scores is required.
Tech Prep Credit
In cooperation with the local high schools, South Piedmont Community College participates in and supports
the Tech Prep (Technical Preparation) program. Pertaining to credit for Tech Prep, the College adheres
to the North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement as set forth by the
North Carolina Community College System and the NC Department of Public Instruction. The Tech Prep
program is a course of study for high school students designed to meet the needs for a more technically
oriented educational background. Through a blending of higher level academic and vocational courses,
Tech Prep prepares students for the advanced courses required by South Piedmont Community College.
Requirements for the Tech Prep advanced placement are:
• Earn a grade of “B” or higher in the course at the high school level and
• Score a 93 or higher on the course post-assessment
In order to receive credit as per the agreement, you must enroll at the community college within two
years of your high school graduation date and immediately notify the Registrar of your Tech Prep status.
Courses accepted for advanced placement will appear on your transcript. All approved and recorded
Tech Prep credit will be assigned a grade of “TP”.
Educational Experiences in the Armed Services Credit
It is the policy of South Piedmont Community College to award credit for training experiences in the
Armed Services. Such experiences must be certified by the American Council on Education. Credit will
be given on the basis of individual evaluation by the Registrar. Creditable military experience must closely
correspond to courses in the South Piedmont Community College curriculum for which you are applying.
College credit earned while in the Armed Services must be substantiated with an official transcript of
coursework from the Department of Defense or applicable college.
International Transcript Credit
International transcripts require an official English translation. If your college or university transcripts
are not from the United States, you must have an International Transcript Evaluation completed by an
evaluation agency at your expense. Submit your transcript, course descriptions, and the grading system
to an agency recognized by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES),
World Education Services (WES), or International Education Evaluations, Inc. (IEE) for an international
evaluation. A letter grade of “A,” “B,” or “C” and earned credit hours must be provided for each course.
Course equivalencies based on terms such as “Excellent” or “Good” are not acceptable. If you submit
transcripts from foreign universities, it is your responsibility to provide accurate translations of (1) the
transcript, (2) course descriptions, and (3) the grading system.
II-10 Admissions (Section II)
FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA) OF 1974
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 grants to you certain rights, privileges, and
protections relative to individually identifiable student educational records which are maintained by SPCC.
Specifically, SPCC has adopted the following general guidelines and specific procedures on access to and
release of student records to officials of another school where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or
where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment
or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34 (§99.31 (a)(2)).
Directory Information
Certain information is considered to be “directory information” and may be used for directory purposes
unless you specifically request directory information to be protected. SPCC may, but is not required,
include all of the information listed. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
(FERPA), directory information relating to a student includes the following:
• Student’s name
• Address
• Telephone listing
• Electronic mail address
• Photograph
• Date and place of birth
• Major field of study
• Dates of attendance
• Grade level
• Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• Weight and height of members of athletic teams
• Degrees, honors, and awards received
• The most recent educational agency or institution attended
• Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic
systems but only if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records when used in
conjunction with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password,
or other factor known or possessed only by the authorized user. (A student’s SSN, in whole or in
part, cannot be used for this purpose.)
• Student ID number or other unique personal identifier that is displayed on a student ID badge, but only
if the identifier cannot be used to gain access to education records except when used in conjunction
with one or more factors that authenticate the user’s identity, such as a PIN, password, or other factor
known or possessed only by the authorized user.
Right of the College to Refuse Access
SPCC reserves the right to refuse to permit you to inspect the following records:
• Financial statement of your parents
• Letters and statements of recommendation for which you have waived your rights of access or which
were filed before January 1, 1975
• Confidential letters and statements of recommendation concerning admission, employment, honor
or honorary recognition if you have signed a waiver of your right of access
• Record being withheld for failure to meet financial obligations
Disclosure of Educational Records
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents certain rights with respect to their
children’s education records. These rights transfer to the student when he or she reaches the age of
18 or attends a school beyond the high school level. Educational Records means those records, files,
documents, and other materials that contain information directly related to a student and are maintained
Admissions (Section II) II-11
by SPCC or by any person acting for the College. Not included in the term “educational records” are
records of instructional, supervisory, and administrative personnel and records created or maintained by a
physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other recognized professional or para-professional acting in his/her
professional capacity. Any student has the right to his/her educational records. This includes the right to:
• Inspect and review the contents of these records.
• Obtain copies of those records at the cost of reproducing those copies.
• A response from the custodian of the records to reasonable requests for explanations and
interpretations of those records.
• An opportunity for a hearing to challenge the content of those records.
Disclosure of Educational Records to Third Parties
SPCC will disclose information from a student’s educational records only with the written consent of the
student, except to:
• School officials (administrators, professional staff, faculty, and Board of Trustee members) who have
a legitimate educational interest in the records.
• Certain officials of the U.S. Department of Education, the Controller General, and state and local
education programs.
• Comply with a judicial order or a lawfully issued subpoena, only after a reasonable effort has been
made to notify the student involved of such order.
• Appropriate parties in a health or safety emergency.
• Accrediting agencies if the information is necessary to the accrediting organization in order to carry
out their accrediting function.
For additional information pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), consult
the Registrar or Vice President of Student Services.
Destruction of Records
Disciplinary, college activity, and various other records are periodically destroyed. SPCC assumes no
obligation to provide you the information contained in such records following their destruction.
FERPA Exceptions
The only exceptions to this rule of confidentiality are the following:
1. If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to another person in the near future, it is your counselor’s
duty to warn the person involved. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely
necessary.
2. If you are clearly likely to do physical harm to yourself in the near future, it is your counselor’s duty
to contact others. This step would be taken as a last resort and only if absolutely necessary.
3. If you share information about the abuse or neglect of any juvenile(s) or disabled adult(s), your
counselor may be required by state law to report that information to the Department of Social
Services.
4. If ordered to do so by a judge as part of judicial proceedings.
II-12 Admissions (Section II)
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-1
REGISTRATION
Once you have completed the admissions process, you are ready to register for classes during the
registration times listed on the SPCC website, www.spcc.edu. New students must meet with a counselor
or Advising Center advisor to register. Advising Centers are available at both the L. L. Polk campus and the
Old Charlotte Highway campus and are staffed with SPCC faculty and staff to assist you in the advising
and registration process. Currently enrolled students may register through WebAdvisor or in person.
Registration is conducted online via http://go.spcc.edu. This website gives you access to online registration,
grades, advising, financial aid, class schedules, college updates, and more. Visit http://go.spcc.edu. Enter
your Username and Password if you are a current student. Click on Active Campus Portal. Under the
WebAdvisor tab, click on “Registration.” Then select “Search for Sections” or “Search and Register” to
begin your online registration.
Access to the registration system may be blocked if a financial or academic hold has been placed on
your record. Some classes require special permission to register. You are responsible for paying for all
scheduled classes by the published due date.
Gmail Accounts
South Piedmont Community College provides you with an e-mail account through Google e-mail, also
known as Gmail. Gmail accounts will be the primary tool for instructors and staff to communicate with you
regarding important announcements and official College business. Therefore, you should access the Gmail
account regularly so important information and/or dates are not missed. Gmail accounts are the property
of SPCC and may be accessed to verify disputed information.
Gmail is accessible through this link: https://www.google.com/a/students.spcc.edu. Instructions for setting
up your Gmail account will be provided by the Advising Center or Library.
Schedule Changes
If you decide that the course load you’ve registered for may be too heavy or too light, you may visit the
Advising Center or go online to WebAdvisor to drop or add courses during the Schedule Change period
without grade penalty. The Schedule Change period is published in the Academic Calendar in this catalog
and is posted on SPCC’s website. Your must contact the Advising Center or a counselor to drop your last
registered class as this option is not available online in WebAdvisor.
NOTE: If the course you wish to take has a prerequisite or a corequisite, you are required to meet those
course requirements. All prerequisites must have been satisfactorily completed before registering for the
course. When dropping a course with a corequisite, both the corequisite and the course requiring the
corequisite must be dropped. Refunds are processed according to the State Board of Community
Colleges Code 1E SBCCC 300.99.
TUITION AND FEES
Tuition for in-state and out-of-state residents is set by the North Carolina General Assembly and is subject
to change by the NC General Assembly without notice. Fees are set by the North Carolina General
Assembly, the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, and/or the South Piedmont Community
College Board of Trustees and are subject to change without notice.
REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION
III-2 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
Residency Classification for Tuition Purposes
The tuition charge for persons who have been legal residents of North Carolina for at least 12 months
is less than for non-residents. G.S. 116-431.1 of NC General Statutes covers the requirements for the
determination of resident status for tuition purposes. A portion of G.S. 116-143.1 is quoted as follows:
To qualify as a resident for tuition purposes, a person must have established legal residence (domicile)
in North Carolina and maintained that legal residence for at least 12 months immediately prior to his/
her classification as a resident for tuition purposes. To be eligible for classification as a resident for
tuition purposes, a person must establish that his/her presence in the State currently is, and during
the requisite 12-month qualifying period, was for purposes of maintaining a bona fide domicile rather
than to maintain a mere temporary residence or abode incident to enrollment in an institution of higher
education.
An individual shall not be classified as a resident for tuition purposes “...until he/she has provided such
evidence related to legal residence and its duration as may be required by officials of the institution...”
Information relating to claimed North Carolina residence for tuition purposes shall be required from
all applicants claiming to be North Carolina residents, and a determination shall be made by the
Admissions Office as to whether or not the applicant qualifies for in-state tuition rates. Should the ruling
be contrary to the applicant’s expectation, it may be appealed to the State Residence Committee. In
the event that an appeal is deemed necessary, full information on procedures shall be provided by the
Dean of Enrollment Services.
The burden of establishing facts that justify classification of a student as a resident entitled to in-state
tuition rates is on the applicant for such classification.
Decision by the College will be based on the requirements of the General Statutes of North Carolina and
regulations specified in “A Manual to Assist the Public Higher Education Institutions of North Carolina
in the Matter of Student Residence Classification for Tuition Purposes.”
In-State Tuition
In-state tuition is $76.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up to 16 semester credit hours. Students
taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $1,216.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 32.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.55
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Student Assessment Fee 16.00
Total $1,317.55
Out-of-State Tuition
Out-of-state tuition applies to any student whose legal residence is outside of North Carolina (see Residency
Classification for Tuition Purposes). Out-of-state tuition is $268.00 per semester hour of credit plus fees up
to 16 semester credit hours. Students taking 16 or more semester credit hours:
Tuition (maximum) $4,288.00
Technology Fee (maximum) 32.00
Activity Fee (maximum) 32.00
Accident Insurance 1.55
Academic Support Fee (maximum) 20.00
Student Assessment Fee 16.00
Total $4,389.55
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-3
Technology Fee
The Technology Fee is $2 per semester hour up to a maximum of $32 for 16 or more semester hours.
This fee is used to support the procurement, operations, and repair of computers and other instructional
technology including supplies and materials that support the technology.
Activity Fee
The Activity Fee supports cultural activities, entertainment, and recreational activities sponsored by the
Student Government Association. This fee is $2 per semester hour up to a maximum of $32 for 16 or
more semester hours.
Accident Insurance
The College provides all students who pay the $1.55 student accident insurance fee with accidental injury,
accidental death, and dismemberment insurance while on campus or while participating in off-campus,
College-sponsored and/or supervised activities. This is a limited supplemental policy.
Academic Support Fee
The Academic Support Fee is $6.00 for 1 to 3 credit hours per semester, $12.00 for 4 to 6 credit hours,
$18.00 for 7 to 9 credit hours, and a maximum of $20.00 for 10 or more credit hours per semester. This fee
supports the efforts of providing academic support to students through tutoring services. The Academic
Support Fee is required and payable with tuition.
Student Assessment Fee
The Student Assessment Fee is $16 per student, per semester. This fee helps to offset the cost of assessment
tools provided by the Academic Affairs Division. The $16 Student Assessment Fee is required and payable
with tuition.
Lab Fees
A $15 per semester lab fee is charged for certain courses with lab hours. A $7 per course fee is charged for
online courses. A $3.50 per course fee is charged for blended courses.
Special Fees
Additional fees may be charged for some programs (e.g., equipment fees, liability insurance, etc.). SPCC
does not charge a fee associated with verification of the identity of online students. Should the need arise,
students will be notified of any fees associated with identity verification at the time of registration through
standard venues for curriculum fee notifications.
Payment of Tuition and Fees
After you have registered, you must pay your tuition and fees. These may be paid with cash, check, money
order, credit card, or through the approved SPCC payment plan. Check the SPCC website at www.spcc.edu
or contact the Business Office at 704-272-5348, 704-272-5358, or 704-290-5849 for additional information.
With a valid driver’s license, personal checks are electronically processed upon receipt. Returned checks
incur a fee of $25. SPCC accepts credit card payment by phone from the cardholder only.
If you have an unpaid balance on your student account at the end of a semester, you will receive a bill in
the mail from SPCC’s Business Office. If the matter is not resolved within 30 days, your account will be
III-4 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
turned over to the North Carolina Attorney General’s office for collection proceedings. If the matter still is
not resolved within the next 30 days, the account is reported to a collection agency for further collection
proceedings. The North Carolina Department of Revenue is also notified of the debt. If it becomes
necessary for South Piedmont Community College to refer an unpaid balance to a collection agency, you
will be expected to pay all fees associated with the collection in addition to the unpaid balance.
Textbooks and Other Costs
You will be expected to purchase textbooks and supplies for classes in your program of study. The SPCC
bookstores on the L. L. Polk campus and on the Old Charlotte Highway campus sell textbooks and supplies.
Information on textbook refunds, textbook rental and textbook buy-backs is available at the bookstores.
You may contact the L. L. Polk campus bookstore at 704-272-5376 or the Old Charlotte Highway campus
bookstore at 704-290-5848.
Refund Policy
Refunds are processed under the North Carolina Community College System refund policy.
•• SPCC will refund 100% of the tuition paid if the College cancels a class or if you drop class(es) before
the first day of the semester.
•• SPCC will refund 75% of the tuition paid if you drop the class(es) on or prior to class census date. If
classes are dropped on or prior to class census date, you are responsible for paying 25% of the
tuition. NOTE: Financial aid will not pay the 25%.
•• Tuition refunds will not be granted if you withdraw after the class census date, even if you have not
attended any class.
•• Refunds will not be made in the amount of $5 or less.
Military Tuition Refund
Upon request by the student and appropriate documentation, the College will grant a full refund of tuition
and fees to military affiliated students called to active duty or active duty personnel who have received
temporary or permanent reassignments as a result of military operations taking place outside the state
of North Carolina that make it impossible for that student to complete his/her course requirements during
the current semester or term.
Death of Student Refund
In the event of a student’s death during a semester or term, all tuition and fees the student had paid that
semester or term may be refunded to the estate of the deceased.
FINANCIAL AID
To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You
may choose any of the following methods to file a FAFSA: (1) Log in to www.fafsa.ed.gov and apply online
(recommended); (2) Complete a PDF FAFSA obtained online at www.fafsa.ed.gov/options.htm which
must be mailed in for processing; or (3) Request a paper FAFSA by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-
3243) or 319-337-5665. If you are hearing impaired, you may contact the TTY line at 1-800-730-8913.
Always be sure to list South Piedmont Community College’s school code (007985) in Step 6 of the FAFSA
to ensure the South Piedmont Community College Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs receives
your application.
Information entered into the FAFSA is reviewed according to federal guidelines. This ensures that all
applicants are treated fairly and equitably. Income, assets, family size, marital status, and the number of
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-5
family members in college are used to determine financial need. Once your eligibility for financial aid has
been determined, your award letter will be available for viewing or printing on your SPCC Go! Account
at http://go.spcc.edu. Financial aid covers the cost of tuition, fees, and books (not to exceed the eligible
amount). Your SPCC ID card will be required when making purchases in the College bookstores. Each
semester, any remaining financial aid balance will be sent to your current mailing address as listed with
the SPCC Registrar’s Office.
NOTE: Students who withdraw or stop attending before the 60% point of the semester have not earned
their awards and will be required to repay unearned financial aid funding.
The FAFSA is available beginning January 1 of each year for the upcoming academic year (July 1 through
June 30). Each academic year, you must complete or renew the FAFSA. You are encouraged to apply
at least eight (8) weeks prior to registration for the semester you intend to enter the College. To receive
priority consideration for all types of financial aid, students should complete all financial aid forms and
requirements by the listed dates:
Fall Semester Enrollment June 15
Spring Semester Enrollment November 15
Summer Term Enrollment March 15
If your eligibility for financial aid has not been determined or your file is not complete before the tuition
payment deadline for each semester, you will be responsible for payment of tuition, fees, and all other
applicable charges. Payment deadlines are published on college calendars and generally occur 30 days
prior to the start of each semester.
Student Responsibilities
To receive Federal Financial Aid and State assistance, you must:
•• Demonstrate financial need as determined by a completed FAFSA
•• Have an official high school diploma or a high school equivalency on file with the College
•• Be enrolled in an eligible academic program
•• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards
•• Be a U. S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen
•• Have a valid Social Security Number
•• Certify that federal student aid will be used for educational purposes
•• Certify that you are not in default on a federal student loan and that you do not owe money on a
federal student grant
•• Certify that you have not been convicted of possessing or selling illegal drugs
•• Register with Selective Service
Courses not eligible for federal financial aid include, but are not limited to:
•• Special Credit (undeclared major)
•• Credit by Examination (test-out)
•• Audited courses
•• High school programs (Career and College Promise, Early College)
•• Certificate programs that are less than 16 credit hours in length
•• Non-credit courses/Continuing Education courses
Types of Financial Aid Available
Federal Financial Aid
•• Federal Pell Grants are based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. Pell grants are for
college undergraduates who have not yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
III-6 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
•• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) offer financial assistance to students
who have exceptional financial need. Eligibility is based on the financial need established by completing
the FAFSA application and awarded to students who meet the priority filing deadlines.
•• Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who meet eligibility requirements and wish to
earn part of the cost of attending SPCC. Work-study employment is available on both campuses on
a part-time basis (usually 10-27.5 hours per week). If you are interested in a work-study job with the
College, you must complete a FAFSA and an SPCC Application for Federal Work-Study Employment.
The application for Federal Work-Study Employment is located on the College’s website at
www.spcc.edu. Click on Faculty & Staff>Jobs@SPCC.
State Financial Aid
•• North Carolina Community College Grant (NCCCG) may be awarded to students who are North
Carolina residents enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in an eligible curriculum
program. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students who are
not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCCCG based on their estimated family
contribution (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a FAFSA in
order to be eligible for this grant.
•• North Carolina Education Lottery Scholarship (NCELS) is available to NC residents for tuition purposes
who enroll in at least six (6) credit hours per semester in a curriculum program and make satisfactory
academic progress. Eligibility is based on the same criteria as the Federal Pell Grant; some students
who are not eligible for the Pell Grant may be considered for the NCELS based on their estimated
family contributions (EFC) as determined on the Student Aid Report. Applicants must complete a
FAFSA in order to determine eligibility for this grant.
•• North Carolina Community College Child Care Assistance provides child care assistance to students
who have custody or joint custody of their children who are under six (6) years of age and are not yet
enrolled in school. Child care providers must be licensed and regulated by the State of North Carolina.
Applicants must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled in at least eight (8) credit hours of seated classroom
instruction, and be making satisfactory academic progress.
•• North Carolina Targeted Assistance Program includes the Less Than Half-Time Funds and High
Demand Low Enrollment Funds. The Less Than Half-Time funds provide funding for students who
are enrolled less than half-time in certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs. Students must
complete the FAFSA and have an EFC between 801 and 4,000 and be enrolled in less than six (6)
credit hours. Qualified students are eligible for $30 per semester hour. High Demand Low Enrollment
funds are awarded to students who enroll in low-enrollment programs of study that prepare the students
for high-demand occupations in local communities. High demand programs are selected on an annual
basis and funding amounts vary.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available from federal, state and local sources. They are awarded based on donor
criteria, financial need, academic performance, and/or time of application. Students applying to
receive scholarships must complete the FAFSA and the SPCC Online Scholarship Application accessible
through the financial aid section on our college website www.spcc.edu under Student Resources.
Forgivable Education Loans for Service (FELS)
The Forgivable Education Loans for Service Program was established by the General Assembly in 2011
to provide financial assistance in the form of forgivable loans to qualified students who are committed to
working in North Carolina to lessen identified critical employment shortages. The program is designed to be
flexible so that it will respond to current as well as future employment shortages in the State. The program
currently targets future teachers, nurses, and allied health professionals. The program is administered by
the State Education Assistance Authority and potentially eligible programs can be found on the College
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-7
Foundation of North Carolina website. The following programs of study may qualify as eligible programs
at South Piedmont Community College: Emergency Medical Science, Medical Technology programs,
Sonography, Nursing, and education programs that lead students to obtaining licensure from the North
Carolina Department of Public Instruction and teaching in a qualified position in North Carolina. Applications
become available in January and award selection is made in April of each year. Additional information and
updates about the application process are available at www.cfnc.org/FELS.
North Carolina Community College Loan Program
The North Carolina Community College Loan Program provides eligible students with short-term emergency
loan funds. Funds are normally limited to $150 and all loans must be fully repaid within 30 days of
disbursement. To be eligible, a student must have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA) and be making satisfactory academic progress. Funding is limited and approved on a first-come,
first-served basis.
Alternative Loans
South Piedmont Community College is not affiliated with and does not maintain a preferred lender agreement
with any private loan company or program. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will provide
student selected loan companies with certification information in accordance with unmet need and enrollment
status as determined by a completed FAFSA application and college registration.
Direct Loans
South Piedmont Community College does not currently participate in the Federal Direct Loan program.
Therefore, students are not currently eligible for subsidized, unsubsidized, or parent PLUS loans under
the current Federal Direct Loan programs while attending SPCC.
Payment Plans
SPCC has partnered with NELNET Business Solutions to provide an automatic payment plan for students
who wish to self-pay by making scheduled payments for school-related charges. The plan offers online
enrollment, flexible payment options, and no interest fees. Contact SPCC’s Business Office at 704-272-5348 for
more information. A credit/debit card/checking account and $25 enrollment fee are required for plan activation.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Certain students who have mental, physical, or emotional disabilities that limit employment opportunities
may be eligible for financial assistance through local Vocational Rehabilitation offices or the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Department of Human Resources, in Raleigh.
Workforce Investment Act
WIA funds are intended to provide financial assistance to students who have recently become unemployed.
Assistance may be provided for tuition, fees, textbooks, supplies, child care, and transportation. The
duration of any individual WIA award is based upon the availability of funds as well as student satisfactory
progress measures that may be imposed. More information about WIA can be obtained by contacting the
Toll Free Joblink Career Centers information line at 877-632-2447.
Enrollment Status
A student’s enrollment status has a direct effect on financial aid that can be awarded. Most state and
federal grants are prorated based on the enrollment status. Students who are enrolled in 12 or more
credit hours are considered to be full-time students. Students who are enrolled 9-11 credit hours are three-quarter
time, 6-8 credit hours are half-time, and students who enroll in 1-5 credit hours are considered less
than half-time. Credit hours can only be counted if they apply to an eligible program of study and cannot
include more than 30 credit hours of developmental courses. Annual awards cover a 9-month period
and are split between two semesters. The number of authorized credit hours each semester is used to
III-8 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
calculate the actual authorized semester awards. Awarded financial aid can be viewed on the student’s
college-provided GO account.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Students Receiving Financial Aid
Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain strict academic (Qualitative) and
progress (Quantitative) standards while pursuing their educational goals.
Students receiving financial aid are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine progression.
Students must meet the Academic Standard (Qualitative), the Program Completion Standard (Quantitative)
and stay within the Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative) to remain in a satisfactory status.
Procedure
Federal regulations require that students receiving financial aid maintain strict academic (Qualitative) and
progress (Quantitative) standards while pursuing their educational goals. Students receiving financial aid
should note that the college-wide Probation Policy for academic progress contains the same grade point
average (GPA) requirements as the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy; however,
the SAP policy for students receiving financial aid is stricter than the college-wide Probation Policy for
students enrolled in the same educational program who are not receiving financial aid. The SAP policy
is applied to all student categories, i.e., full-time or part-time, who receive financial aid within eligible
curriculum degree, diploma, and certificate programs established by the school.
Students receiving financial aid are evaluated at the end of each semester to determine progression.
Students must meet the Academic Standard (Qualitative), the Program Completion Standard (Quantitative),
and stay within the Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative) to remain in a satisfactory status.
Academic Standard (Qualitative)
Students receiving financial aid must maintain a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA. SAP GPA includes “all”
curriculum classes taken at South Piedmont Community College and any accepted transfer credits,
regardless of time frame. Classes with an “incomplete” (I) or any “withdrawal” (W) grade are included in
the SAP GPA just like an “F” and count toward the attempted credit hours. All classes that are repeated
count toward the SAP GPA and the attempted/completed credit hours.
If a student’s cumulative SAP GPA falls below 2.0, the student is placed on a financial aid warning status
and will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning
period of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to achieve the cumulative
2.0 SAP GPA. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the
end of the warning period a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA is not achieved, the student is no longer eligible to
receive financial aid and will be placed in a financial aid unsatisfactory status. The student may regain
financial aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 2.0 SAP GPA through self-pay or outside resources.
Program Completion Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete at least two-thirds or 67 percent of all curriculum hours
attempted at South Piedmont Community College including accepted transfer credits, regardless of time
frame. The percentage is determined by taking the cumulative total of credit hours completed divided
by the cumulative total of hours attempted. For example, a student who has completed 32 hours and
attempted 64 hours has a completion rate of 50 percent (32 divided by 64). Attempted but not completed
credit hours include: incompletes, withdrawals, repeated classes, and courses with a grade of “F.”
If a student’s percentage rate falls below 67 percent, the student is placed on a warning status and will
be notified by the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The student then has a warning period
of enrollment, which is the next semester the student is enrolled at SPCC, to earn a 67 percent or more
completion rate. The student is eligible for financial aid during this warning period of enrollment. If at the
end of the warning period a cumulative 67 percent completion rate is not achieved, the student is placed
in an unsatisfactory status and is no longer eligible for financial aid. The student may regain financial
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-9
aid eligibility by reaching a cumulative 67 percent or more completion rate through self-pay or outside
resources.
Maximum Time frame Standard (Quantitative)
All students receiving financial aid must complete their educational program within 150 percent of the
published length of that program. Students who exceed the 150 percent maximum time frame are no longer
eligible to receive financial aid at SPCC. The Maximum Time frame Standard includes all curriculum hours
attempted and any accepted transfer credits or developmental credit hours, regardless of time frame. The
SPCC college catalog provides a course listing for each educational program and the number of credit
hours needed to complete the program. The published program lengths do not include developmental
education hours that may be required for individual students. For example, the Associate Degree in
Computer Information Technology is 66 credit hours in length; therefore, a student receiving financial aid
enrolled in that program may attempt, including accepted transfer and developmental education credit
hours, up to 99 credit hours (66 credit hours times 150 percent) and remain eligible for financial aid.
Additionally, students who cannot mathematically complete their program of study by the 150 percent
maximum time frame will no longer be eligible for financial aid. Example: A student is in a program which
would allow for a maximum of 99 credit hours and the student has attempted 90 credit hours and needs
4 additional courses which total 16 credit hours to complete the program. Adding the 90 credit hours
attempted to the 16 credit hours still required equals 106 credit hours which is more than the 99 credit hours
allowed. Mathematically the student could not complete the program prior to the 150 percent maximum
time frame and would no longer be eligible for financial aid at South Piedmont Community College.
Appeal Process for Unsatisfactory SAP Status
Students in an unsatisfactory SAP status may appeal their loss of financial aid eligibility. Appeals must
be made at least 10 days prior to the start of the semester in which a student wishes to receive financial
aid. Financial Aid Reinstatement Appeal forms are available on the College’s website or in the Office of
Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. Student statements on the form and attached documentation must
include: (1) the circumstances that rendered them unable to meet the standard(s), (2) what has changed
to allow the student to meet the standard(s) and (3) the student’s educational goal and plans to meet that
goal. The reinstatement appeal form and supporting documentation can be submitted in person, by mail,
by FAX, or via e-mail to the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Vice President of Student
Services or his/her designee will consider reinstatement appeals and the decision will be final. Students
will be notified through e-mail of appeal decisions.
Students who have their appeals granted will be placed on probation and will be eligible for financial
aid, provided they meet all SAP requirements and complete the SAP Academic Success Plan. The
SAP Academic Success Plan requires that students receiving financial aid successfully complete all
registered classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher and meet with a counselor to complete an
Academic Recovery Plan. Withdrawing from or failing a class does not constitute successful completion.
The Academic Recovery Plan is designed to improve the student’s academic focus and promote student
success. Students who follow and complete all requirements within the SAP Academic Success Plan
will stay on probation in a continued probation status as long as they successfully complete all registered
classes and achieve a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher.
Appeal Process for Maximum Time frame SAP Status
Students in a Maximum Time frame SAP status may appeal their loss of financial aid eligibility. Financial
Aid Reinstatement Appeal forms are available on the College website or in the Office of Financial Aid
and Veterans Affairs. Student statements on the form and attached documentation must include: (1) the
circumstances that rendered them unable to meet the Maximum time frame standard, (2) the student’s
educational goal and (3) enrollment plans to complete the desired program of study. The reinstatement
III-10 Registration and Financial Information (Section III)
appeal form and supporting documentation can be submitted in person, by mail, by FAX, or via e-mail to
the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs. The Vice President of Student Services or his/her designee
will consider reinstatement appeals and the decision will be final. Students will be notified through e-mail
of appeal decisions.
Students who have their appeals granted will be placed on a semester-by-semester probationary status
and will be eligible for financial aid in their next semester of enrollment. Students who do not complete their
program of study during the next semester of enrollment will be required to submit an updated reinstatement
appeal form and be reevaluated to insure they are making appropriate progress toward program completion,
have completed all registered classes and achieved a semester GPA of 2.5 or higher. Withdrawing from or
failing a class does not constitute successful completion and will result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.
Reinstatement of Financial Aid Eligibility
If a student loses financial aid eligibility by failing to meet the Academic Standard and/or Program
Completion Standard and after self-pay or the use of outside resources feels that the standards are met,
the student must contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs to have their SAP status re-calculated.
If the standards have been met, the student will regain financial aid eligibility for the semester
following the semester in which the standards were met provided all other financial aid requirements
have been completed.
Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility
The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds a student may receive over his or her lifetime is limited by federal
law to be the equivalent of six years of Pell Grant funding. Since the maximum amount of Pell Grant
funding a student can receive each year is equal to 100 percent, the six-year equivalent is 600 percent.
Students who use all of their annually awarded Pell Grant by being a full-time student (12 hours) in each
of two semesters would have used 100 percent. Students who used half of their annual awarded Pell
Grant by being a half-time student (6 hours) in each of two semesters would have used 50 percent. Pell
Grant usage is tracked by adding together the percentages of Pell Grant funding received each award
year. Students who reach the 600 percent level are no longer eligible to receive Pell Grant funding.
Return of Title IV Funds
The Higher Education Amendments of 1998 changed the formula for calculating the amount of financial
aid funds that may be retained when you totally withdraw from all classes. If you are receiving Title IV
funds, i.e., Pell Grant or FSEOG, and officially withdraw from or stop attending all classes before the 60
percent point of the semester, SPCC will recalculate your eligibility for financial aid based on the percent
of the semester completed.
For example, if you withdraw after having completed only 30 percent of the semester,
you will have “earned” only 30 percent of any Title IV funds received. The remaining 70
percent must be returned. The Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs will notify
you through your SPCC Gmail account of the repayment requirements and contact
information to determine amounts due.
Financial aid recipients still enrolled after the 60% point of the semester will have “earned” 100% of the
federal financial aid awarded.
Registration and Financial Information (Section III) III-11
VETERANS BENEFITS
Qualified veterans, wives, and children of deceased veterans may be admitted and approved to receive
educational benefits, providing they meet requirements established by the Veterans Administration. To
qualify, you must:
•• Have a high school diploma or high school equivalency
•• Be enrolled in a specific curriculum program
Certain other requirements may also apply. All previous college coursework must be received and
evaluated by the Registrar. All admission requirements must be met before the enrollment certification
can be sent to the Veterans Administration. Distance learning courses must be required courses within
the veteran’s major to qualify for educational benefits. Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans
Affairs for a list of programs or classes that are eligible.
NOTE: Test-outs, independent studies, and audits are not eligible for VA benefits. Classes of 8-weeks,
12-weeks, or any other schedule deviation from 16-week classes may be subject to a pro-rating of monthly
benefits from the VA.
The College is approved for the training of veterans under Public Law 16 of the 78th Congress and under
Public Law 550 of the 82nd Congress, and Chapter 34, Title 38, United States Code. For more information,
contact the Office of Financial Aid and Veterans Affairs at 704-272-5391 or via e-mail to finaid@spcc.edu.
Satisfactory Progress for Veterans
A veteran enrolled at South Piedmont Community College is required to make satisfactory academic
progress. The measure of academic progress for veterans is the same as for students receiving other
forms of financial aid.
III-12 Registration and Financial Information
Student Support Services (Section IV) IV-1
The mission of the Student Services Division is to provide systematic support services to help you reach
your educational and career goals. These services support the instructional programs and are in keeping
with and complement the philosophy of South Piedmont Community College.
Title IX, Education Amendments of 1972: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex,
be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any
education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” -20 U.S.C. § 1681.
Please refer to the SPCC Student Handbook found at www.spcc.edu for further information pertaining
to Title IX. Title IX Coordinator is Susan Flake, Assistant Vice President of Human Resources, Payroll,
Organizational Development, sflake@spcc.edu, and Title IX Assistant Coordinator is Elaine Clodfelter,
Vice President of Student Services, eclodfelter@spcc.edu.
Counseling
The College provides counseling services to help you succeed in your educational program. Counselors
can also help you with more personal problems that might affect your progress. Requests for these
services can be made at the Student Services Office. NOTE: Personal counseling may be referred to
local mental health facilities based on the intensity of the student’s needs.
Services for Students with Disabilities
SPCC recognizes its responsibility under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) to provide equal access to education for students with disabilities.
Support services are available to individuals with learning, hearing, visual, and other health impairments.
Brochures containing self-referral forms are available to all applicants and students. Note the following:
•• Applicants or students who feel that they need accommodations due to a disability should contact
the Disability Services Provider in the counseling office at South Piedmont Community College.
•• Applicants or students must provide official, supporting documentation describing the disability.
This documentation must be from an authorized professional(s). Federal regulations obligate the
applicant or student to provide information on identifying appropriate and effective auxiliary aids. This
documentation is held confidential for five (5) years after enrollment and will be destroyed after that
time. To renew accommodations after the five (5) year period, new documentation must be provided.
Documentation for learning disabilities should be no more than three (3) years old. Documentation
provided for any disability must indicate the applicant’s or student’s current level of functioning.
•• Students who have identified themselves as having a disability may request accommodations from
the Disability Services Provider. New students should make such requests at least 30 days prior to
the beginning of their first term of enrollment. Early communication of special needs provides the
time needed to arrange for services and/or the procurement of equipment that the student may need.
•• Each request will be evaluated by the Disability Services Provider, who will recommend reasonable
accommodations to faculty.
•• Students will be responsible for delivering accommodation information to each faculty member for
discussion of how accommodations will be provided in each class.
•• Students who do not feel that they are receiving agreed-upon accommodations should see the
Disability Services Provider for clarification.
•• Applicants or students who are not satisfied with the accommodations that they are receiving from
the College should see the Vice President of Student Services or the Dean of Student Development.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
IV-2 Student Support Services (Section IV)
Reasonable Accommodations: The following are considered reasonable accommodations to be made
for students with disabilities:
•• The process must be an interactive one involving “a reasonable reciprocal effort” on the part of both
parties.
•• The College may not make a unilateral decision regarding the existence of a disability or the
accommodation that is necessary.
•• What is “reasonable” involves a detailed ana